i:
/
HARVARD UNIVERSITY.
LIBRARY
OF THE
MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY
Library of
SAMUEL GARMAN
C
JUN8 1929
JOURNAL
OF THE
ASIATIC SOCIE'T'T.
EXTRA NUMBER.
CATALOGUE OF REPTILES
IN THE
MUSEUM OF THE ASIATIC SOCIETY
OF
BENGAL.
BY
W. THEOBALD, Jun., ESQ.
\_PublisJied hy order of the Council of the Asiatic Society, Bengal.']
CALCUTTA :
PRINTED AT THE BAPTIST MISSION PRESS.
1868.
c-
EXPLANATOEY NOTICE.
The printing of this Catalogue was commenced in 1865, shortly
after the receipt of Mr. W. Theobald's MSS. ; but in consequence of
the difficulties experienced in correcting proofs, and also in conse-
quence of insufficient instructions regarding the execution of the
plates having been at first issued, a delay of nearly three years has
occurred in its publication. This delay is greatly to be regretted,
because many new species and genera of reptiles are described in this
paper. The dates of publication have accordingly to be rectified.
The Catalogue has been printed by order of the Council, and is now
issued as an extra number of the Journal.
The Nat, Hist. Secretary^
Asiatic Society^ Bengal,
Calcutta, June, 1868.
EPvKATA
{In the Press.)
For " Guntlier" read passim *' Giiuther."
Page 9, line 18, from above for " caustidy" read ** caustically."
for " Dum et Bib." read "Dum. et Bib."
below omit '•' (Vide Plate.)"
above for " 26 P. tentori" read " 26 P. TENTOPdA."
for " P. Smith, Gh.inther'" read " P. Smithii, Grzi/i-
tJier:'
omit " A" after " 3."
for " 195 inches" read " 194 inches."
for " "Weigmann" read '' Wiegmann."
transfer '' , " from before after the word " longi-
tudinally."
" Gecko Harriettae, Tytler, MSS." see Journal
Asiatic Society, Bengal, 1865, Vol. XXXIII.,
p. 548.
for " Gray" read « Grey."
for " Merrcm" read " Merrem."
for " Thaiel tmio" read " Thaiet-mio." ^
transfer " , " from after before the word " scales."
for " Trig" read " Trig."
omit " , " after " Tropidolsemus."
for " Weigm." read " Wiegm."
; the name- " P. Frithii." ought to be printed in
Eomau capital letters, as it designates a
newly named species, not, I presume,
identical with the previous one.
88, „ 9 from above for '•' Pangohura tectura" read " Pangshura
TENTORIA."
J>
9,
33
32
33
J3
35
11,
J 3
10
»3
bel(
>J
14,
33
5
}3
abo
}}
14,
J3
28
3>
33
35
17,
33
16
3>
33
»
18,
S3
6
5J
33
33
27,
)}
14
33
33
J)
28,
})
6
33
}i
33
30,
3>
34
33
)i
,;
33,
13
59,
5
61,
6
66,
10
76,
29
76,
81
80,
6
81,
6
below
})
33
88, „ 19 „ „ for '' candal" read '' caudal."
ERRATA
{In the Plates.)
On the fourth plate omit '' No. 27" after the name of the species '■ *Pang-
shwra Smithii."
PEEFATOEY REMAEKS.
The present Catalogue originated in this wise —
Having, at the commencement of the rains, to return to Cal-
cutta on duty from Eangoon, where I had been paying some
attention to the Eeptiles of the country, I determined to seize the
opportunity offered to me, of examining the types of those
species described by Blyth from Birma and Tenasserim, and
any other specimens in the Museum of the Asiatic Society of
Bengal, which might enlarge my knowledge of the Eeptiles of
the Province.
Finding that Dr. Anderson, Curator of the Indian Museum,
was engaged in a searching enquiry into the state of the
collections, I offered to compile a Catalogue of the Eeptiles
in the Museum, and thereby, to some extent, lighten his labours.
My offer being cordially acceded to by Dr. Anderson and the
Council, the present work is the result, and I trust that it will
not only clear up some erroneous identifications, but be the
means of directing attention to the comparatively poor collection
which the Museum possesses of Indian reptiles, when it should
have a much finer one.
The list of desiderata is so very extensive, that I trust many
large accessions may be looked for, when members of the Society
and others, scattered throughout the length and breadth of this
glorious land, only know what is required of them. With tliis view
I urged that this Catalogue should be published as an extra num-
ber of the Journal, that by its circulation to members, the wants
of the Museum might become more generally known.
In the preparation of this Catalogue, I have had the inesti-
mable advantage of following ' Dr. Gunther's Eeptiles of British
India,' which I may be said to have taken as the basis of my
own. though I have not slavishly followed it, when I thought an
ir Preface.
alteration in arrangement or nomenclature desirable ; aS, for in-
stance, in the case of the genus Eumeces, to which Gunther refers
no less than sixteen species, but respecting which assemblage I
have preferred adhering to the arrangement in Gray's Catalogue
of lizards in the British museum, as at once an easier and more
natural classification.
Then again, I have removed the important family of Homa-
lopsidas from their place next the Colubrid^e, to their more
natural location alongside of the Hydrophid^e. The Homalop-
sidae may be thought to have relations with the Aquatic Colu-
bridaB, but these can only be said to be aquatic in the sense of
more particularly affecting the vicinity of water than other snakes,
whether for food or delectation ; but a fondness for water is not
peculiar or restricted to them, as numberless other snakes, the
true Colubri, the Cobras and Bungari, &c. equally delight in
water and its vicinity.
Between the Hydrophidte and Homalopsidte on the other
hand, the connexion is much stronger and, so to speak, more »
organic. The Homalopsidc^ are true water snakes, rarely seen on \
land ; and being viviparous, are, like the Hydrophidte, not com-
pelled to resort to the land for the deposition of eggs. Some of
the species too, if not most of them, affect tidal waters, and are
equally at home in salt and fresh water. The coloration too of
Bome, such as Hipistes, is essentially that of the Hycbophidte ; and
Hipistes, being moreover a marine as well as a river species,
seems to form a natural link between the two families.
The curious genus Xenopeltis I have placed next to Python,
for no better reason, perhaps, than that it is as much in place
there as any where. The brilliant metallic lustre which both dis-
play during life, far surpasses what I have remarked in any
other snakes.
Several new genera will be found described in the fol-
lowing pages, and some new species. Two species I have re-
moved from Ablabes which Gunthcr includes, Ijut my reasons
are I think, sound. If such and such a character is of importance,
and constantly used as a generic character, as the presence or
Preface. Y
absence of keels, the number of rows of scales, the suppres-
sion of some of the normal plates of the head, &c. &c., how
can we consistently ignore these characters in the case of
some genus which we want to make the receptacle for forlorn
unappropriated species ? Some of the genera of Colubridas
are established on very shadowy characters, Herpetoreas for in-
stance ; yet in Ablabes, Gunther includes species, affording ex-
cellent characters for separation, and which in fact demand sepa-
ration. Species are included in it with two, three or four
f rentals, smooth scales or keeled scales, and from 13 to 17 rows
of scales. I by no means think, that it would not be a gain, where
practicable, to enlarge the generic definition, so as judiciously
to include closely allied forms merely excluded by some trivial
character ; such a process is, I think, wanted, but it requires
caution to carry it out : but, taking the genera of serpents as
they stand, and bearing in view the admitted weight of certain
characters, why, I ask, and on what grounds, are we entitled to
relax our principles of classification, and make a particular
genus a receptacle wherein to impound aberrant species, like
Ablabes, as it stands in Gunther's catalogue, or the still more mis-
cellaneous throng constituting Eumeces ?
This is, however, a mere difference of opinion, and I fully
acknowledge, whilst adopting a slight modification of his ar-
rangement, the temerity of dissenting from the verdict of so pro-
found a savant as Dr. Gunther, on a matter of classification.
1 have also separated the terrestrial herbivorous lizards as a dis-
tinct Family, (Uromasticidge,) from the Agamida^. Their habits,
food, and aspect warrant this arrangement, and I cannot help
thinking that Dr. Gunther has been misled as regards the
arboreal habits of Leiolepis, which is, I believe, eminently and
solely a terrestrial and bmi'owing lizard. Cantor appears to be
the authority on which their re2)uted arboreal habits rest, but his
words do not seem to convey necessarily that he was an eye-wit-
ness of their powers of flight, beyond evolutions performed under
unnatural conditions and under confinement in a cage. Doubtless
the mechansim of the expansile ribs suggested the idea of their
vi Preface.
using them as Draco is known to do : at the same time, he ap-
pears to have heen ignorant of their bmi'owing habits, and to
have only noted them in captivity. His words are, " Twelve were
at one time obtained from a spice plantation in province Wel-
lesley ;" and again, " the Malay lolio hr ought the lizards asserted
they were frngivorous, and might be fed with soft fruit and boiled
rice, which was perfectly true." These are not the words of an
observer of the animal in a state of nature, and no allusion is
made to their gregarious cuniculine mode of life.
It would be very interesting to determine, if, as I suspect may
be the case, Moloch horridus from Australia belongs to the same
family and exhibits the same traits ; but I did not like to injure the
Society's specimen by opening it, when a query will probably
elicit fuller information from those able to obtain it from fresh
specimens.
The family Greoemydid^e, I have established for those Emydinas
whose males have a concave sternum ; a sexual adaptation to
their terrestrial habits.
The following have been the most important contributors
to the reptile collection, though its neglected state is an
ungrateful return for the liberality of the donors. Contra sjDcm
meliora speramus ! Dr. Kelaart, Ceylon ; Major Berdmore,
Pegu ; Major W. S. Sherwill, Darjeeling ; Kev. F. Fitzgerald,
North Carolina; Dr. Jerdon, South India ; W. Theobald, Esq.,
Jnr., Punjab and Pegu ; E. Kobinson, Esq., Assam ; Lieut.-Cols.
Phayre and Tytler, and others noted in the proper place.
I must not omit to record my obligation to H. H. Locke, Esq. ,
for the great care he has bestowed on the Plates, which, it must
be allowed, reflect considerable credit on his pupils to whom their
execution was entrusted.
W. THEOBALD, Junior.
Calcutta, Sept. 1865,
CATALOGUE OF REPTILES
IN THE
%
18 6 6.
CLASS REPTILIA.
SECTION A.— CATAPHUACTA, SHIELDED
EEPTILES.
ORDEE CHELOIS^IA.
FAMILY TESTUDINID^..
TESTUDO, Oppel.
1. T. iNDiCA^Gmel.
a. stuffed female. Galapagos Islands.
2. T. RADIATA, Shaw. Madagascar.
a. stuffed male.
h. stuffed female. (Some plates gone.)
c. stuffed female. (Non adult.)
3. T. STELLATA, ScllW.
T. elegans, Schoepff.
T. megalojnifi, BJytli.
a. large stuffed female.
h. shell of smaller female. Vizagapatam. Capt. Rolo.
c. similar stuffed. Ditto. Ditto.
d. small female stuffed.
Nuchal plate invariably absent.
4. T. GEOMETRICA, L.
«. stuffed female. (Some South Africa. Major Shcrwill.
plates gone.)
I. ditto ditto Ditto. Ditto.
c. shell of very young male. Ditto. Ditto.
Very like the Indian T. stellata.
S])ccimens a and b have no nuchal plate, c has it large and
distinct.
Catalogue of Beptiles. ^
6. T. PLATYXOTUS, Blvtli. J. A. S.,
XXXII. p. 83.
a. h. c. upper shells of adults, Burma E. Blyth, Esq.
purcliased in the Rangoon alx)ve the
Bazar, where they are used frontier,
to bale oil.
6. T. ELONGATA, Blvtll. J. A. S ,
XXII. p. 639.
a. stuffed male. " Arakan. Major Phayre.
h. stuffed female. Tenasserini.
c. half grown female, shell only.
d. half grown male, ditto. Tenasserini.
(a few plates gone.)
e. upper shell only.
/. g. very young in spirit.
h. very young, (shell dried.)
This is the common species of land tortoise in British Burma,
Blyth very causticly remarks J. A. S. XXXII, page 84. '•' Of course
this is the species referred to as T. elongata, Gray (!) from Camboja, in
Proc. ZooL Soc. 1861, page 139. As well, however, may Dr. J. E. Gray,
refer to Homo sapiens, Gray, or Equus Gahallus, Gray! I claim, the
honour, such as it is, of having named the three fine Indo-Chinese species
of Testudo, as yet discovered, Palmam qid meruit ferat. Dr. Gray, is,
however, a well known offender in this respect ; more's the pity."
HOMOPUS, DUMERIL ET BiBRON.
7. H, HoRsriELDii, Gray.
H. Burnesii, Blyth.
a. stuffed female. Afghanistan. Sir A. Burnes.
h. young, in spirits (in poor condition.) Ditto.
CHEBSINA, Gray.
8. C. ANGULATA, Dum et Bib.
a. h. adult males. South Africa. Major Sherwill.
shells only.
c. half grown, ditto ditto. Ditto.
d. e. young females, ditto. Ditto.
FAMILY GEOEMYDID.E.
MAXOURIA, Gray.
M. Emys, Gra*y.
a. adult, (much injured). Moulmein. Major Phayre.
Formerly there was a stuffed specimen; but now only a fevi- fragments
remain of this rare species.
10
Catalogue of Beptihs.
9.
10.
11.
12.
GEOExAIYDA, Gray.
G. GRANDis, Gray.
Cyclemys platynota^ Gray apud Blyth.
a, upper shell of adult. Tenasserim.
G. TRICARINATA, Blyth.
Emya tricarinata^ Blyth.
a. stuffed male.
Chaibassa.
CUORA, Gray.
C. Amboinensis, Daud.
a. stuffed male. Malacca.
h. ditto female. Ditto.
c. ditto ditto half grown. Tenasserim.
CYCLEMYS, Bell.
C. orbiculata, Bell.
Emys dentata^ Gray.
G. GIdhami, Gunther.
a. adult shell, (female ?) Arakan hills,
h. ditto ditto.
Tenasserim.
c. stuffed young.
d. dry, young, stuffed. Sitang river.
Sitang river,
W. Theobald,
Junr., Esq.
Major Tickell.
Rev. J.Lindstedt.
Ditto.
Dr. Heifer.
W. T. Blanford^.
Esq.
W. Theobald, *
Junr,, Esq.
Major Phayre.
Major Berdmore.
The specimen figured by Gunther as G. Oldhami was obtained alive by
myself near Mergui, and is merely the adult of G. orbiculata, Bell. The or-
bicular form of the shell, as well as the strongly toothed margins, charac-
terise young and half grown shells, disappearing as the animal becomes
full grown. Both Bell and Gunther describe the sternum without any
cross joint, such as occurs in Cuora, but occasionally the bony trans-
verse suture remains permanently unanchylosed, causing a false joint
simulating the true cartilaginous joint of Cuora, In a specimen in my
possession the motion is pretty free, though the suture is covered by
the ends of the abdominal plates. In very young shells this transverse
joint is imperceptible ; in half grown individuals it is well distinguish-
able, and in adults it is not unfrequently conspicuously marked external-
ly by a sort of carious fossa across the abdominal plates, resulting, no
doubt, from the mobility of the bony suture beneath.
FAMILY EMYDID^.
EMYS, Brongniart.
13. E. nuchalis, Blyth.
a. stuffed adult. Java.
b. c. smaller, stuffed.
Batavian Society.
Ditto ditto.
Catalogue of Reptiles,
11
14. E. Hamiltonit, Giay.
a. stuffed adult.
h. c. younger ditto.
d. upper shell only.
15. E. TRiJUGA, Scliweigg.
JE. Seha, Gray.
a. kdult shell only.
h. ditto stuffed.
Calcutta.
Ditto.
Ditto.
E. Blyth, Esq.
Ditto.
Ditto.
Arakan hills.
Madras*
This individual has no
nuchal j^late.
c. d. shells of young. Ceylon.
W. T. Blanford,
Esq.
Capt. Mitchell,
Madras Musueui.
Dr. Kelaart.
I quite agree with Dr. Gunther in referring E. Seha, Gray, to this
species, which attains a greater size than is supposed. Mr. Blanford's
specimen is evidently a very aged individual with the keels nearly
obliterated, but with the anterior margins strongly revolute. Colour
uniform blackish throughout, and pale yellowish brown where abraded.
16. E. NIGRA, Blyth. J. A. S.,
XXIV., p. 713.
E. crassicollis, Bell apud Blylh.
a. shell of adult. Tenasserim river. W. Theobald,
Junr., Esq.
h. ditto young. • Ditto. Ditto.
This species was, I think, correctly separated as a distinct species
in the first instance, by Blyth, though subsequently referred by him
to E. crassicollis. The vertebral plates are very differently shaped
from those of crassicollis, being mushroom-shaped, and so attenuated
behind as almost to admit the approximation of the costals. This
peculiarity of form is less seen in the young than in the adult, and from
not being particularly dwelt on by so minute a describer as Dr. Gunther,
I am the more inclined to regard E. nigra as distinct from E. crassicollis.
It may, however, be the nearly allied species alluded to as inhabiting
Camboja. In the adult shell, the last vertebral is hardly broader than
the caudals. (Vide Plate.)
17 E. GUTTATA, Schweigg. North Carolina. Rev. F. Fitzgerald. •
TETRAOXYX, Lesson.
18. T. Lessonit, Dum. et Bib.
a. stuffed adult, 23 inches. Calcutta.
b. shell ditto. Salween R.
c. d. half grown, stuffed. Calcutta.
€. f. g. young ditto Ditto.
h. i. very young ditto. Ditto.
E. Blyth, Esq.
W. Theobald,
Junr,, Esq.
E. Blyth, Esq.
Ditto.
Ditto.
12 Catalogue of Reptiles..
This species is very common at Calcutta, and also about Rangoon.
It is herbivorous in a great measure, and is much used in Calcutta in
the manufacture of soup, which purpose no doubt it answers admira-
bly ; and I hope the admirers of Calcutta turtle soup will lose none of
their relish for the article, by knowing how largely i-iver turtle are
substituted for the true Chelan la virgata, which, however, is occasionally
brought to Calcutta from the Straits.
BATAGUR, Gray.
19. B. LiNEATUs, Gray.
a. stuffed adult, 24 inches.
No locality or donor is given for the sole specimen in the museum,
but Gunther records the species from Moulmein, Nepal, and Saharun-
pur, whence it had been procured by Dr. Falconer.*
20. B. Thurgii, Gray.
Emys Thurgii^ Gray.
a. stuffed adult, 21 inches. Calcutta. E. Blyth^ Esq.
h. c. smaller, stuffed. Ditto.
d. e. half gi'own, ditto. Ditto.
/. g, h. i, j. young ditto. Ditto.
A very common species at Calcutta, though adults are not easily
got. It appears to mo more nearly affined to Batagux than to Emys»
21. B. DHONGOKA, Gray. ^
E. Duvaucellii^ Dum. et Bih.
a. stuffed young. Narbudda R.
h. ditto smaller. Sagur, Central Lieutenant Ro-
India. berts.
This species grows to a large size, but there are no adult specimens
in the museum. It is common at Monghyr.
22. B. Berdmoreii, Blyth, J. A. S., XXXIL, p. 84.
E, ocellata, D. et B. apud Gunther.
E. ocellata^ D. et B. apud BIyth, J. A. S., XXII., p, 645.
a. h. stuffed adults. Pegu. Major Berdmore.
c. d. e. f. young, stuffed. Ditto. Ditto.
This species is very abundant in Pegu and Tenasserim. Its habits
are strictly aquatic, not terrestrial as Gunther sui-mises, but it is often
left dry by the drying up in the hot weather of the inundated plains, in
which situations incredible numbers are captured by the Burmese,
who fire the grass for the purpose. It is never found in the dry forests.
Dr. Gunther remarks that Dumeril and Bibron's fi.gure, Plate 15, Fig.
1, is " not good," but it refers to an entlrehj different species, which may
account for its but indifferently representing the present I
* No maps which Dr. Gunther had consulted givmo; him any light on the
subject, he amusingly enquires touching Saharuupur, "Is it another name for
Serampar on the Hooghly "'"
V
Catalogue of Reptiles, 13
23. B. ocELLATA, Dum. et Bib.
not B. ocellata aj)ud Gunther.
B. Berdmoreiij Blyth ajnid Gunther.
a. stuffed adult. Calcutta. E. Blyth, Esq.
h. c. smaller, stuffed. Ditto. Ditto.
This species occurs in Calcutta, but not in Pegu, where B. Berdmoreii,
Blyth, replaces it. It is a much smaller and more elongate species than
B. Berdmoreii, Blyth, which is very convex.
24.* B. TRiviTTATA, Duiii. et Bib.
A specimen of this remarkably handsome species presented by my-
self from Moulmein, is no longer in the museum. It abounds in Pegu,
and is remarkable for the disparity of coloration and size in the sexes.
" Male 18.50 x 13.10.
Shell pale olive green, with three conspicuous black streaks down
the back, as though of black paint. Beneath, pale orange yellow.
Soft parts of body and limbs pale yellow, dusky above, j^eck and
head smooth, during life of a bright carnation red, instantly fading on
death to a waxy white. An intensely black lozenge-shaped plate be-
hind the nostrils, on the forehead.
Female, 28.50 X 12.50.
Colour of the shell is dark brown above and below. Head, neck and
limbs are uuifoimipale greenish olive, with the black lozenge behind the
nostrils on the forehead, as in the male. Abundant in the Delta of
Pegu. Oviposits about Zalon in December and January. Eggs 25 in
number 2.6 long." Weight 965 grains. (MSS. Cat, Reptiles Pegu.)
PANaSHURA, Gray.
(Fourth Vertebral decanter-shaped.)
25. P. TECTUM, Bell.
E. tecta^ Gray.
a. stuffed adult, 7 inches. Calcutta. E. Blyth, Esq.
b. c. d. young, stuffed. Ditto. Ditto.
e. — m. young in spirits. Ditto. Ditto.
It is not a little singular that Dr. Gunther, in his last admirable woi'k
on the Reptiles of India, should have so supercilioitsly, one might
almost say perversely, ignored the labours of his predecessors. An
excellent figure is given by Bell, and the species is also figured by
Hardwicke. I do not agree with Prof. Bell that Hardwicke's figure
is too brightly coloured, as the animal is often of a bright red below
mottled with black, and with a bright red vertebral stripe. The more
modest coloration, however, of Bell's figure should have prevented
Dr. Gunther from describing the colour as yellow, in opposition to
* Species with an asterisk are wanting in the Museum,
14 Catalogue of Beptiles.
those who had observed from life. A more trivial error is that of
adopting Gray's name teda for Bell's tectum. Dr. Gray's midahe in
this matter of names would almost seem to be his ^method, to judge
from this and other instances (vide ante under Testudo elongata, B.)
26. P. TENTORi, Gray.
a. stuffed adult. Indus R. Sir A. Burnes.
h. adult shell only, 8.25 Ditto. Ditto.
inches.
(sternum injured.)
From these specimens, it seems the vertebrals are rectangular in the
adult, the first being, however, broadly pentangular witli an obtuse
angle in front. The young specimen, recorded as having been procured
by Mr. Blyth from the vicinity of Calcutta, is no longer in the
museum. Respecting the occurrence of this species near Calcutta,
Dr. Gunther remarks, " This ice doubt, as the species may easily he con-
founded ivitJi young specimens of the Batagur and of the species allied
to it." Dr. Gunther is probably right as to the non-occun'ence at
Calcutta of this species, but he may probably be mistaken, when
saj'ing it can be confounded with the Batagur.
It remains to determine what was the species alluded to by Mr.
Blyth. As the specimen is lost (in common with so many others !),
it is not easy to say with c^tainty what the species was, the only thing
quite certain being that it was not the Batagur, as suggested by Gun-
ther. I am inclined to think it may have been a young P. jiavivente'^f
Gunther, which I believe occurs near Calcutta, though no example is
in the museum.
* P. FLAViVEXTER, Gunthcr. Lower Bengal.
* P. Smith, Gunther.
■^j
PLATYSTEBNUM, Gray.
27. P. MEGACEPHALUM, Gray.
a. stuffed young Martaban. Major Berdmore.
(bad state.)
CHELYDRA, Schweigger.
28. C. Serpentina, L.
a. shell only. North Carolina. Rev. J. Fitzgerald.
KINOSTERNUM Spix.
29. K. oDORATUM, Daud.
a. h..c. young, in spirits North Carolina. Rev. J. Fitzgerald,
(bad state.)
Catalogue ef Reptiles.
FAMILY TRIONYCID.E.
EMYDA, Gray.
SO. E. GRANOSA, Schoepff.
15
a. b. stuffed adults.
c. young stuffed.
d. young in spirits.
Calcutta.
Ditto.
Ditto.
E. Blyth, Esq.
Ditto.
Ditto.
31.
E. Ceylonensis, Gray.
a. head in spirits.
Ceylon.
Dr. Kelaart.
TRIONYX, Geoffroy.
32.
T. Gangetictts, Cuv.
a. shell of adult.
Finely granular, length
h. stuffed adult.
Bhagulpur.
17 inches.
Calcutta.
W. Theobald.
Junior, Esq,
E. Blyth, Esq.
c. ditto, semi adult.
d. e. young stuffed.
/. g. very young ditto.
h. five young, in spirit.
32«. T. Guntlierii, Gray. Arakan.
CHITRA, Gray.
33. C. Indica, Gray.
a. young stuffed. Hooghly.
bony shield 7 inches.
FAMILY CHELONID^.
SPHABGIS, Merrem.
34. S. CORIACEA, L.
a. stuffed female, 75 inches. Tenasserim coast. Lt. Col. Tickell,
For account of capture vide J. A. S., XXXI., page 367.
CARETTA, Merrem.
35. C. IMBRICATA, Schweigg. Bay of Bengal.
Affords the tortoise shell of commerce.
a. b. c. d. stuffed.
€. young ditto.
CAOUANA, Gray.
(Costal jjlates ten.^
36. C. olivacea, Eschs. Bay of Bengal.
" The logger head^
a. stuffed, 26.5 inches.
This specimen has three additional costals, or thirteen in all.
16 Catalogue of Reptiles,
h. sliell of adult. Has one additional costal.
c, young stuffed, strongly keeled.
This is the common turtle along the east coast of the Bay. Few
Europeans have any idea but that it is the true edible turtle, and in
their innocence glory in soup made from it. It is carnivorous, and its
flesh so indifferent that even the Burmese do not greatly care for it.
The flesh of Sphargis, according to Tickell, is equally coarse.
CHELOXTA, Fleming.
(Costal iilates eight.^
37. C. VTRGATA, Schweigg. Bay of Bengal.
a. stuffed, 50.5 inches.
h. semi -adult ditto.
c. young ditto.
d. upper shell only.
This is the true edible turtle. It is herbivorous, and may be dis-
tinguished from the logger-head by having only thirteen plates on the
back, whilst the logger-head has fifteen, or one pair more of costals.
Calcutta specimens are mostly brought from the straits.
OEDEE, EMYDOSAUEI.
FAMILY CROCODILID^.
CROCODILUS, CuviER.
(a, Nuchal shields, small.)
1. G. POROSUS, Schneid.
C. hiporcatus, Cuv.
a. stuffed adult. Head, 16.5. Body, 43.8
Tail, 63.0 = 123.3 inches. Forehead, 4.4 broad.
Cervical scutes, 5.7 across. Two small nuchal shields.
h. smaller stuffed.
h. h. smaller ditto. Four small nuchal shields.
Head, 7.5. Body, 16.6. Tail, 25.2. = 49.3.
c. young stuffed. Malacca. Mr. Foster.
d. young in spirit. Penang.
e. ditto ditto.
/. skull of adult, 23 inches.
g. ditto young, 14 inrhcs, (injured.)
Dorsal bcutes in eight rows.
Cutahgiie of Eejytiles. 17
Tills species which abounds in Burmah, appears to be less common
in Bengal than C. palustris.
(5, Nuchal shields, large.')
2. C. TRiGONops, Gray.
C. jyalustris, Less, apud Guniher.
C. bomhifronSj Gray apud Blyth.
a. half grown animal, stuffed.
Head, 10.0. Body, 28.4. Tail 38.4 = 76.8.
Central nuchal shields smaller than the others, and a little
advanced.
Forehead, 3 inches. Cervical scutes 5 inches across.
Dorsal scutes in six rows.
h. skull of half grown Western India.
animal, 12.5 inches,
c. skull smaller, 9.5 inches. ..... ......
8. A. C. VULGARIS, Cuv.
stuffed. Nile. D. C. Money, Esq.
Head, 17.40. Body, 45.00. Tail, 55.60 = 118.00
Inches.
Forehead, 3.50. Across cervical scutes, 7.25. *
Outer cervical scutes smaller than the others, and j^laced a little
forward. This species differs from the closely allied C. palustris in the
narrower shape of the head, and in having eight rows of dorsal scutes
towards the lumbar region ; at least this specimen has. I infer that
this is the specimen shot and presented by D. C. Money, Esq. (J. A. S.,
XYI., p. 385,) but excejDt the small specimens in the cases, and an.
erroneous label on the skull of C. trigonojos (labelled C. bombifrons by
Mr. Blyth), not a stuffed skin or skull in the museum has so much as
a trace of any note of its history, locality or donor, which information
former Curators must have supposed visitors and students capable of
supplying from the depths of their own moral consciousness ! Infact^
disorder, dilapidation and neglect have for years struggled for mastery
over the Society's collections, with what result may be well imagined.
3. C. PALUSTRIS, Less.
C. homhifrons, Gray.
Not C. bombifrons, Gray apud Bhjtli, see ante No. 2.
C. bomhifrons, Gray apud Huxley, Proc. Lin. Soc, 1859.
C. bombifrons. Gray apud Gunther.
C. trigonops, Gray apud Gunther, vide No. 2.
a. stuffed adult.
Dorsal scutes, in six rows strongly keeled. Head, 16.50.
Body, 45.50. Tail, 61.20 = 123.20. Forehead, 4.4,
cervical scutes, 8 inches across.
18^ Catalogue of Rej)tihs.
c. young stuffed.
e. ditto ditto. Java. Batavian Society.
/, g. ditto, in spirit.
h. skeleton of adult female.
Head, 26 ; Body, 72 ; Mutlah. A. Stunner and
Tail 96 = 195 inches H. B. Farr, Esq.
y. skull of very young
animal. Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
4 inches, premaxillary
suture very direct, may
belong to trigonops (?).
J. very large slvull, 29 inches
m. n. 0. 00. skulls of adults
on. no. skulls of half grown
animals, (imperfect.)
The synonymy of our Indian crocodiles is very confused, but the
specimens in the Museum of the Asiatic Soceity clearly illusti^ats the
three species found in the countiy.
Firstly, of CrocodUns iiorosus, there are 4 stuffed specimens, 2 in
spiHt and two skulls. From this poverty of specimens, I should argue
that this species is not common in Lower Bengal. It, however,
abounds in Pegu and is " the crocodile'' of that Province. It is a well
marked species, which cannot be well confounded with either of the
others.
Secondly, of Crocodilvs trigono'ps, the Society possesses one stuffed
specimen (as I believe it to be) and two skulls, one skull from Western
India, the other spolia without record. Of this species I also possess
a skull of an animal shot by myself in the Nerbudda, of which most
unfortunately I have no notes.
From Mr^ Gray's description of its triagonal shape, I refer these
skulls to his trigonops, as they are verj^ nearly two-thirds as broad
across the condyles, (measured straight) as long : my specimen measur-
ing from back of head to insertion of 1st tooth 19.10, across condyles
12.25. Besides its trigonal shape, a distinctive mark of this species is
the premaxillary suture which runs straight across the palate from
notch to notch. The region of the extenial nares is very tumid, with
a deeply sunken interspace behind it, giving a very pugnose physio-
gnomy to the animal, very much more so than in G. imlusiris. In front
of the orl)its, a semicircular fossa marks the suture of the facial bones,
contrasting by its smoothness with the pitted surface of the face. The
style of pitting differs moreover from skull of G. 2Jcdnstris in being
more regular, the pits more circular than elongaia, and not given to
anastomosing so much as in G. iialm^fris. It is an extremely well
marked species, but is not alluded to by Prof, Huxley in his instruc-
tive ])aper on these saurians in Proc. Lin. Soc, February, 1859, from
the fact, as I presume, of the British Museum containing onl}^ two
young stuffed specimens, which would not afford proper data for
remark. It would seem to be a small species : my specimen, which
seemed nearly adult, was not more than eight feet, if I recollect
rightly. It was shot too under peculiar circumstances. Dropping
down the Nerbudda in a canoe, I saw what I took for a stone lying in
a hole in the steep bank of the river. The hole not being more than 2
Catalogue of Bajjiihs. Gl? '7
feet across, I never believed it contained a crocodile, as my boatmen
assured me was the case. However I fired and a lasting of water was
heard in the hole. What I aimed at was still visible, so I fired again,
seemingly without effect, but on going up, I hauled out a dead crocodile
with two balls through the brain. This was G. trigonops, and I am
not aware that animals of the larger species excavate holes for them-
Belves, as this one does. It may very likely be the " small crocodile"
said to inhabit streams on the table land of Ehotas Ghur.
Thirdly, of Crocodihis palustris, Lesson, the Museum possesses a splen-
did suite of specimens ; 3 stuffed specimens, 4 in spirit, a fine skeleton
and 8 skulls. It is emphatically " the crocodile' of Lower Bengal. I have
procured one specimen at Thaiet-mio, but it is rare in Lower Pegu. I
see no reason for doubting the conclusion of Prof. Huxley that G.
homhifrons, Gray, is a synonym of this species, one of the types having
been received from the Asiatic Society's Museum, which is rich in G,
palustris, and the trivial name bombifrons is very applicable, especially
to the adult animal. Some few heads are rather narrower than others,
probably females, but cannot well be confounded with G. ijorosus, even
were no other parts than the skulls preserved. If I am correct in
referring the above specimens to G. trigonops, it is utterly past my
comprehension how Gunther has referred G. trigonous as a synonym
of G. paliistris, G. porosus is nearer G. palustris than G. trigonops to
either. I am not quite clear, however, if the stuffed specimen 2a belongs
to the species. The prsemaxillary suture appears to be straight, but
still I am not certain of my reference.
I subjoin some measurement of a series of skulls.
A. C. porosus (1/of Catalogue,) of same breadth nearly across the
condyles as B.
B. C. trigonops from Nerbudda, B. Central India.
C. C. palustris of the same breadth, across condyles as B
D. C. palustris, Irawadi. Thaiet-mio, 12 feet, (in my possession^.
E. Ditto ditto,' (3A.) Bengal, 18 „
F. Ditto, largest skull, (3/.) Bengal.
C. porosus. C. trigonops.
C. palustris.
A. B. C. D. E. F.
Nape to opposite 2nd notch, 11.50 11.00 11.75 12.40 14.10 14.75
Nape to fore margin of nasal
hole, 20.75 16.30 20.00 21.60 22.50 25 75
Nape to alveolusof 1st tooth, 23.25 19.10 22.50 24.60 26 20 26.00
Breadth across condyle?', ...12.75 12.25 12.25 13.25 16.30 18.00
From 1st notch to 1st notch
along the alveoli, 11.75 9.95 11.50 11.75 13.50 16.00
Breadth at 3rd tooth, round
the curvature, 8.25 7.10 8.50 9.10 11.25 12 30
Ditto 9 tooth, 10.50 10.30 10.75 11.60 14.30 16 25
Ditto 36 tooth, 12.50 13.25 13.75 14.25 16.25 17.60
20 Catalogue of Reptiles.
FAMILY GHARIALID.E.
GHARIALIS, Geoffroy.
4. G. Gangetica, Geoffr.
a. adult stiiffecl.
h. c. young ditto. ,
d. skin of adult in a bad state
e. /. veiy young, in spirit. ......
</. h. young stuffed.
i. skull of adult, 29.75 inclies. .....
j. skull of adult, 29.50 ditto
k. L skulls of young animals, in
bad state.
I concur with Col. Cautley's remarks in As. Res. XIX, page 32, on
the folly of perpetuating a misnomer. " The present mode of writing
this word " GaviaV appears to have originated in a mis-reading of the
manuscript of some naturalist, the r and v being very similar in form.
As " Ghm-idV is the correct native name, there seems no reason for
perpetuating the misnomer."
SECT. B. SQUAMATA. SCALED REPTILES.*
OEDER SAURIA,
FAMILY VARANID^.
PSAINIMOSAURUS, Fitzinger.
5. P. sciNCUS, Merr.
a. adult stuffed, Nubia. Dr. Ruj^pel.
body 14 tail 18 = 32 in.
1). young, in spirit. Salt Range. W. Theobald, Junr.
VARANUS, Merrem.
6. V. flavescens. Gray.
a. h. adults stuffed. Lower Bengal.
Body 16.00, tail 19 = 35.
c. half grown ditto. ,,
J. ditto ditto. A. C. Carlyic, Esq.
e. ditto yellow spotted.
/. ditto, in spirit.
Catalogue of Beptiles.
21
7. Y. DRAC^NA, L.
a. adult stuffed. Lower Bengal.
Body 10, tcail 13 = 23 in.
I, ditto. Mirzapur. Major Wroughton.
c. d. young stuffed. Allahabad and Agra. Dr. Stewart.
/. adult in spirit. Major Wrougliton.
g. half grown ditto . ......
A. many half grown and
young. ......
8. V. NEBULOsus, Bum. et Bib.
a. adult stuffed.
Body 23, tail 31 = 54 in.
5. c. two-thirds grown.
d. adult, in spirit.
HYDBOSAUBUS, Wagler.
9. H. sALVATORj Laur.
ZT. giganteiiSj Gray ?
a. adult stuffed.
Body 32.5, tail 48.5 = 81 inches.
Yery large specimen from probably Lower Bengal.
h. adult. Andamans. Lieut. -Col. Tytler.
Body 24, tail 35 = 59 inches.
Forwarded as a new species ......
c. d. half grown stuffed.
Malacca.
Bungpur.
e. young stuffed.
/. young in spirit.
g. half grown in spirit.
h. adult, ditto.
Eev. W. E. Linstedt.
10 H. vARiFs, Shaw.
a. adult stuffed. Australia.
Body 23, tail 35 = 58 in.
Melbourne Institute.
11. H. ocELLARius, Blyth.
a. stuffed specimen.
Body 14.5, tail 19.5 =
In bad state,
Australia.
34 inches.
Dr. J. MacClelland,
22 Catalogue of Reptiles.
FAMILY LACERTID^.
TACIIYDKOMUS, Daudin.
12. T. sEXLiNEATUs, Daud.
o, h. two specimens in
spirit. Pegu. A Grote, Esq.
Martaban. Major Berdmore.
The specimen, formerly presented by myself from Mergui, is no
longer in the Museum, (J. A. S. XXIV., 715.)
TROPIDOSAURA, Boie.
13. T. Jerdoni, Blyth.
Ojyhiojys Jerdoni, Blyth, (J. A. S., XXII., p. 653.)
a. type specimen in spirit. Mhow. Dr. Jerdon.
Mr. Blyth's description is so meagre and inaccurate that I here give
my ovn\. It will be seen that this interesting lizard is not an Ophiops,
but belongs rather to Tropidosaura of which one species is known from
Java. Nostrils in the ridge of the face, lateral or subsuperior, perfora-
ted in a moderate nasal, followed by two small postnasals, one above
the other, both together hardly equalling the nasal. Loreals two, the
second very large, and separated by some small scales from the eye.
Seven upper labials, four first large ; fifth largest, under the orbilf,
sixth and seventh small. Lower labials seven, small band-like. Lowef
rostral large, and four pairs of very large chin shields. Scales of
back lanceolate, acutely keeled ; in twenty-four rows ; (keeled in 22.)
Scales of belly smooth, broadly hexagonal, in six rows. The supra
abdominal row of scales smooth, larger than those above them. Toes
5 — 5 long, slender, curved, unequal, serrated above and below. Sides
roughened with keeled scales. Scales in front of limbs large, behind
smaller, all sharply keeled. Tympanum distinct, eyelids none. Eye-
brows keeled. Superciliaries large, divided in two. Vertical and
occipitals normal. Post occipitals squarely truncate behind. Nasals
contiguous. Supernasal and frontals about equal to each other. All
the head shields longitudinally plicated. Ear surrounded with granular
scales. Femoral pores twenty, interrupted on the pubes, 10 in each
thigh in a gently curved line. Pores pierced in the posterior angle of
the scales. One very large quadrangular prseanal. Tail surrounded
by equal verticiliate keeled scales.
The present colour of the specimen is brownish (bronze, Blyth) with
four ill-defined rows of dark spots down the back. A well defined pale
streak separating the outer rows. A pale median streak also indicated.
FAMILY ZONURID^.
PSEUBOPUS, Merrem.
14. P. GRACILIS, Gray.
Ophiseps tessalatns, Bh/th,
J. A. S., XXII., p. 055. llangoon. Purchased.
a. h. Type specimens, in spirit.
Catalogue of Reptiles. 23
FAMILY GYMNOPHTHALMIDiE.
ABLEPHAKUS, Cocteau.
15. A. Pannonicus, Liclit.
a. in spirit. Eastern Europe. Hungarian
Museum.
FAMILY SCINCID^.
a. scales keeled.
TPvOPIDOPHOKUS, Dume'ril et Bibron.
16. T. Berdmoreii, Blytli.
Asjjris Berdmoreii, Blytli^
J. A. S., XXIL, p. 650.
a. h. c. specimens in spirit. Mergui. Major Berdmore.
CYCLODUS, Wagler.
17. C. GiGAS, Bodd.
a. h. c, stuffed adults. Van Pieman's Purchased.
land.
d. half grown ditto. Pitto. Ditto.
TBACHYPOSAUBUS, Gray.
18. T. RUGOSA, Gray.
a. h. stuffed adults. "Western Australia. Purchased.
Labelled, Egenia.
TILIQUA, Gray.
19. T. rueescens, Shaw.
Scincus muUifascicdus, Kiihl apud Gunther.
T. trivittata, apud Gunther,
a. very large specimen Andamans. Lieut. -Colonel
in spirit, 18 inches. Keels very faint. Tytler.
Scincus Tytlerii, Tytler MSS.
h. man}^ specimens in spirit "
c. nearly adult ditto. India. Dr. Jerdon.
The coloration of this very common lizard is somewhat variable. During
life, the colour of the back is some shade of rich olive brown or bronze with
the sides darker, and a pale stripe running from over the eye down each side
of the back, which is more or less black dotted. Beneath greyish or jellow-
ish. Sides seasonally deeply sulfu^d with red. Unfortunately the specimens
in the Museum, which sliould possess an unrivalled series of this species, are
nearl}' all jumbled into one bottle with no record of either donors or localities,
so that it is impossible to discriminate local varieties.
The red spotted variety', which Gunther records as found on the east side of
the Bay of Bengal is, I imagine, a merely seasonal garb. Cantor describes
24 Catalogue of Bep files,
this species? as layin.^ 6 to 12 eggs. This I believe to be a mistake, as I
have taken perfectly formed embryos from it, and believe it to be, therefore,
viviparous. Cantor, however, unites as a synonym of this species T. multi'
cavinata, Kuhl, which species is oviparous. It is a smaller species and
evidentl}' " the young with 5 to 7 keels" of Cantor's description in J. A. S.,
XVI. p. G52.
20. T. MONTICOLAj Gimtli.
o . tlnee specimens in spirit
The scales are four keeled, but, though Gunther only describes two keels,
I think it must be this species. No label is attached, and the specimens ex-
hibit no markings, being a uniform plumbous brown above, pale below.
T. monticola is from Sikkim, and probably replaces T. rufescens of the
plains.
21. T. TRiviTTATi, Gray.
T. rufescens^ Sliaio apud GwitJier.
a. mutilated specimen. Jalnat. Dr. Jerdon.
A handsome species, with three broad white bands down the back ; scales
five keeled.
22. T. QTJINQUETiENIATUS, Licht.
a. in bad state. Egypt. C. J. Evans, Esq.
23. T. MULTICARINATA, Kulll.
Euprepes macularius^ BlytJi. §-
T. rufescens J Shatv apud Gunther. ^
a. four specimens. Rungpore (?)
These specimens have no label, but are, I think, the same as a species I
have always considered as T. multicarinata, Kuhl, from Birma. My Bir-
mese specimens are a little larger than the Museum ones, and in a better
state also. A female contained 3 eggs and measured, body 3.2, tail 4.2 = 7.4.
Colour (olive) pale bronze above, black spotted, spots long and streaky. A
broad black lateral band, white margined above. Underneath white. Scales
distinctly 7 carinate. Jerdon (J. A. S., XXII., 479) mentions a small speci-
men in the museum, of T. multicarinata, Kuhl, but whether or no he refers
to one of the above specimens I know not. Like so many other specimens
it has probably evaporated long ago. T. multicarinata differs from T. rufeS'
cens most essentially in being oviparous, (vide T. rufescens).
*T. OLiVACEUS, Gray. Malayan Peninsula.
EUPREPIS, Wagler.
*E. trilineata, Gray. Carnatic.
MABOUIA, FiTZINGER.
24. M. QUADRTLiNE.vTA, Blyth, J. A. S., XXIL, 652.
f (Laljclledj Plestiodon qninquelineatuin, L.
North Carolina, llev. F. Fitzgerald.)
a. fine specimen. Hong Kong. J. C. Bowring, Esq.
t The labels of specimous are all in Mr. Blyth's handwriting.
Catalogue of Reptiles, 25
The two dorsal white lines pass through the second row of scales and are
nearl}' half a scale broad, and very conspicuous. The lateral pale lines are
almost obsolete. The scales are smooth, but five or more fine hair-like lines
are visible on them, ending in dark punctate dots on the hinder margin.
The sub-caudals are broad, one-rowed, and have twelve white fine lines.
These lines are not probably visible in the living animal.
25. M. Chinensis, Gray.
Plestiodon quinquelineatum, L. apud Blytlis 3ISS. label.
a. two yomig specimens, China. J. C. Bowring, Esq.
h. scales smooth.
HINULIA, Gray.
26. H. MACTTLATA, Blytll.
Lissonota macidata^ Blytli^ J. A. S., XXII., 653.
Lissonota Harriettce, Tytler 3ISS.
Lissonota Tytlerii^ Tytler 3ISS.
The type specimen of Mr. Blyth's description is no longer in the museum.
Eheu fugaces !
a. many specimens. Martaban. Major Berdmore.
h. two specimens. Andamans. Lieut. -Col. Tytler.
Limbs rather small. Thumb short; fourth finger very long. Nostrils
lateral, in the centre of a somewhat oblique rhomboidal nasal shie*ld. Su-
pranasals none. Frontinasal large, broader than long, forming a suture in
front with the rostral, which is truncated behind, but reaches well back on
the surface of the head. Behind, it forms a suture with the vertical and
the two frontiparietals. Superciliaries four, sub-equal, very convex, tumid,
nearly approximating on the crown.
The Martaban specimens do not quite correspond with the type as to
coloration. Above, rich pale bronze brown, irregularly dark spotted. Sides
blackish, white dotted. The dark colour commencing as a narrow band
across the upper rostral, gradually widening on the sides and continued to
the extremity of the tail. On the tail, however, though distinct, it is rather
pale, and bounded above and below with a waved or scalloped margin, very
characteristic. Beneath, uniform white or greenish white. It abounds
throughout Pegu and is an extremely active species inhabiting the forests.
*H. Taprobanexsis, Kelaart. Ceylon.
*H. Dussumieri, Gray. Malabar.
PLESTIODON, DuME'RiL et Bibron.
27. P. SCUTATUS, n. s.
Body elongate, stout, subcjdindrical. Tail elongate, cylindrical. Limbs
small, stout. Toes moderate, regular, scarcely subequal, with long nails.
Head conical a)id rather shelving. Nostrils large, central, in a single nasal
plate. Supernasals one pair, forming a suture. Proefrontal separated from
vertical by the broad suture of a largish pair of frontals. Vertical large, 5
sided, truncated before, pointed behind- Loreals 3, third largest. Super-
ciliaries 7. Rostral large. Upper labials, regular 8 ; 6th under orbit : 6th, 7th,
26 Catalogue of Beptihs.
8th largish. Lower eyelid scaled, with a transverse row of large plates. Ears
largish, patulous, rliombic, with two projecting scales in front. Tympanum
sunken. Lower rostral followed by two transverse gular scales, and 3 pairs
of chin shields. Scales of body moderate, subequal, smooth. Back covered
with a single row of transverse scales, from a little behind the shoulder to
the loins. At base of tail two rows, soon followed by a single row of sub-
caudal scales. Pneanal scales two, large. Two central rows of ventral
scales, appreciably larger. Scales in 23 rows round the body.
Colour pale brown (in spirits). A dark band from snout to loins, down
the centre of the back and along either side. Lateral stripes white dotted;
the central one narrower than the row of vertebral scales. Tail mottled,
dark markings somewhat annularly disposed.
Body 4.0, tail 5w 5 = 9.75.
Elbow to toe 0.50. Knee to toe 0.70.
a. two adults in spirits. '
No record of habitat ov donor.
28. P. LATicEPS, D. et B.
rt. adult in spirit. North Carolina. Be v. J.Fitzgerald.
MOCOA, Gray.
29. M. FORMOSA, Blyth, J. A. S., XXIL, 651. »
M. pulcher, Blyth, musemn label. ♦
a. one large specimen,type Mirzapore. Major AYrough-
of Blyth's description. ton.
1). c. smaller. "Wuzeerabad. L.C.Stewart,Esq.
Dr. Gunther is quite correct in surmising that this species has a trans-
parent lower eyelid and no supranasal, and it is, therefore, correctly referred
to Mocoa.
30. M. SiKiMENSis, Blyth.
Eumeces Indicus, Gray, apud Gunther in part.
a. five specimens. Sikim. Major Sherwill,
W. Theobald,
Junior, Esq.
Br. Gimther appears to have confounded two species under this name, as
of many autlientic Himalayan specimens none exceed four and a half inches,
though Dr. Gunther gives the length as 8 to 10 inches, probably from his
China specimens erroneously identified. The limbs of the species are much
smaller than J]!. Indicus, Gray, apud Gunther. The fore limbs barely reach
beyond the gape, the hind a little more than halfwa3'- to the axilla. Nothing
but Dr. Gunther's perverse determination to depreciate or ignore the labours
of naturalists in India, could have led him into uniting such dissimilar
species as this and JE. Indicus. The size of this si)ecies, and the transparent
lower eyelid of Mocoa were adequate warnings against such an error.
Catalogue of Replies. 27
31. M. BiLiNEATA, Grrav.
a. h. adults. Nilgliiris. Dr. Jerdoii, W
Theobald, Ju-
nior, Esq.
The vent is shielded hytwo pairs of large preanals, and not as described by
Gunther," — a pair." The two centre shields are peculiarly claw -shaped,
pointed and incurved at the apex, towards each other.
* M. Himalayana, Gthr. Kashmir, Simla.
* M. Schlegelii, Gthr. Sikim.
KISTELLA, Gray.
* R. RuRKT, Gray. North India.
This species is not mentioned by Gunther, but is included in Brit. Mus.
Ciat., Lizards, p. 85.
PODOPHIS, Weigmann,
*P. Chalcides, L. Pinang.
RIOPA, Gray.
32, R. Albopunctata, Gray.
a. many specimens. Lower Bengal. E. Blyth, Esq.
This bottle, though labelled " Lower Bengal," no doubt contains the spe-
cimens forwarded from all parts of India by various donors.
33. R. Hardwickii, Gray.
a. two adults in spirit. South India Dr. Jerdon
Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
h. young (?) Subathoo. Rey. J. CaveBrown.
* R. punctata, Gray. Malabar, Madras.
Dakhau.
HAGRIA, Gray.
* H. VosMAERii, Gray. BengaL
28 Catahxjue of Reptiles.
CIIIAMELA, Gray.
* C. LINEATA, Gray. India.
FA^IILY ACONTIADID^.
ACONTIAS, CuviER.
* A. Layardit, Kelaart. Colombo.
Light olive longitudinally, spotted with brown.
NESSIA, Gray.
* N. BuRTONii, Gray. Anibegammoa,
Kadiiganava, Ceylon.
Tympanum hidden, limbs 4, toes 3 — 3.
*N. Monodactyla, Bell. India.
Opening of ear minute but distinct, limbs 4, toes none.
FAMILY SEPSID^. ^
SPENOCEPHALUS, Elyth.
34. S. TRIDACTYLUS, Blytli.
a. 7 specimens in spirit. Afghanistan. Dr. A. Webb.
FAMILY GECKOTIDaE.
GECKO, Gray.
35. G-. vERus, MeiT.
a. 3 adults and 4 young in spirit.
h. adult and half grown. Andamans. Lieut, -Col. Tytler
c. two fine adults ditto. Dacca. Mr. Frith.
This is about the most westerly limit of the species, which abounds all
aloufj the east coast of the Bay of Benf^al. It has been captured near Cal-
cutta, but, probably, the specimens were introduced from ships from the east
coast or were tlie descendauts of parents so introduced, as so nois}' a reptile
could not be indif^enous to Lower Bengal without being well known.
d. several specimens. Assam,
India House
Tenasserim.
Museum.
€. stuffed specimen, (bad state.)
Catalogue of Rejjliles. 29
36. Gr. STENTOR, Caiitor.
G. Verreauxt, Tytler. — ..
a. 2 adult specimens Andamaiis. Lient.-Col. Tytler.
in spirit.
Easily distinguished from G. verus by its double row of subcaudals, and
coloration likewise. For an interesting account of the habits of the Oecko-
tidaj see Col. Tytler's observations, J. A. S,, XXXIII., 535, though I can-
not adopt my friend's views in classification or nomenclature.
=^Gr. monarchus, Diim. et Bib. Malayan Peninsula. (Ceylon?)
PTYCHOZOON, KuHL.
87. P. nOMALOCEPHALUM, D. et B.
a Pegu. Major Berdmore.
The specimen was taken from the mouth of a Chryspelea ornata, which
commonly feeds on Geckos.
HEMIDACTYLUS, Cuvier.
38. H. CocTji:i, D. et B.
Boltalia sublcdvis^ Gray^ apud Gunther.
a. many specimens. Calcutta.
Very large female. Body 2.75, tail 1.75 = 4.50.
In males five (six) femoral pores in each thigh widely separated by the
pubic region. Tail more or less verticillate, feebly spined. In the largest
specimen, which was a female, the tail was lanceolate, and very bulging at
the base. Back uniformly granular, with a few scattered larger flattened
tubercles along the sides. The thumb has a minute claw. Neither Gray
nor Gunther give the number of femoral pores so distinctive of the species.
The largest museum specimen from Calcutta is only 4.50 inches. In the
Museum no specimens are recorded from any other locality.
39. H. Kelaartii, Theobald.
H. Coctisi, D. et B. on label.
a. tliree specimens. Cerlon. Dr. Kelaart.
Adult male. Body 2.50, tail 2.25 = 4.75.
28 to 34 femoral pores, interrupted in the pubic region.
Tail more or less verticillate and spined, sometimes simple, (normally, not
from reproduction.) Back uniformly granular, with a very few small flatten-
ed tubercles on the shoulder and loins. This species (W^Qv&howi H. frenatus
in the femoral pores not forming a continued line; in the scarcity of large
tubercles in the back ; in the thumb being of proportionate size (not very
small); and in size which is larger than in H.frcnatus, Sch., as I believe it
to be from Birmah. This is the S. Coctoei of Kelaart most probably men-
tioned by Gunther,
80 CidaJocjue of Reptiles.
40. H. Leschexaultii, D. et B.
a. four specimens. Nil gliiri Hills. W. Theobald, Jr.,
Esq.
Adult male. Bodv 2.25, tail 2.50 = 4.75.
Femoral pores 20 to 25 in two lines separated in the pubic
region.
Back uniformly granular, -with numerous scattered flat tubercles. Tail
verticillate, six spined.
41. H. MAcuLATus, D. et B.
H. Pieresii, Kelaart.
a, four s^^ecimens. Cejlon. Dr. Kelaart.
Femoral pores 32 to 36, in a nearly continued line. The 12 central pores
somewhat better defined than the rest.
42. Many small specimens (?)
43. H. suBL^Tis, Grray.
Boltalia suhlcevis^ Gray,
H. CoctcBi, D. et B.J apud Gunther.
a, many specimens. Mergui, Capt. Berdmore, Dr.
Ceylon. Kelaart.
h. large tail-less specimen.
I am not quite sure if a claw is always present on the thumb, but a small
almost setiform claw is sometimes noticeable. Thumb small.
Femoral pores 30 or 33, in a continuous line 7wt interrupted. Pores
obliquely pierced in the scales. Back minutely granular, with two lines of
somewhat larger tubercles down the sides.
44. H. FASCiATUS, Gray (?)
a. a bleached specimen, tail injured.
Twenty rows of small ovate tubercles down the back. Tail slender,
rounded, faintly ringed, but tubercular.
PERIPIA, Gray.
45. P. Cantoris, D. et B.
Memidactylus Peroniiand Platydactylus lugiibrisj Cantor apud
Gunther.
Gecko Harriettce, Tytler 3ISS.
a. young, in spirit. Andamans. Lieut. -Col Tytler,
Back uniformly granular. Tail rounded above, flat below, granular above,
small scales below, with no large plates. Edges sharp, minutely denticulated.
Chin shields none, but about 12 or 15 scales longer than the very minute
scales of the throat. Olive brown with some scattered velvet black spots.
Beneath white minutely brown dotted. Body 1.50, tail 1.25 = 2.75.
* P. Peronii, Dum. et Bib. Birma.
Catalogue of Reptiles. 31
NYCTERIDIUM, Guntiier.
* N. PLATYURus, Sclmeid.
DORYUKA, Gray.
46. I). Berdmorei, Blyth.
Leiurus Berdmorei, Blyth.
a. several specimens, Mergni. Capt. Berdmore.
PHELSUMA, Gray.
47. P. Cepedianum, Peron.
a. two specimens. Mauritius. W. Earl, Esq.
48. P. Andamanense, Blyth.
a. one specimen. Andamans. Capt. Hodge,
GYMNODACTYLUS, Spix.
49. G. Jerdonii, Theobald.
a. h. two specimens.
a. Male. Back uniformly granular. Tail with a single row of large
suhcaudal plates or scuta, with a few large scales along their edges. A
strong double fold on the throat. Scales of the belly sm-all rhombic.
Along the sides two rows of distant erect spines, becoming obsolete on the
tail. Sides keeled. Pubic region covered with same scales as the bell v.
No large prseanals. Femoral pores eight on each thigh ; large, cup-shaped,
placed along the hinder edge of limb, bordered in front by rather largish
scales, and behind by the granular scales of the back. Length, head and
body 1.50, tail 1.50 = 3.00. Colour (in spirits) above, greenish gray mottled
with brown, beneath, greenish white. Nine upper and seven lower labials.
Nostrils close behind the rostral. Lower rostral large, just separates a pair
of small triangular chin plates- Allied to G. Mysoriensls by its spines,
but not to be identified with any species described by Jerdon.
50. G. Geckoides, Spix. Punjab Salt Range. W. Theobald, Esq.
Prseanal pores twenty-five to thirty, in a nearly straight series and in a
continuous line.
51. G.
a. small species in a bad state.
* G . triedrus, Gunther. Ceylon.
* G. pulchellus. Gray. Penang, Singapore.
* G. fr^enatus, Gunth. Ceylon.
* G. Kandianus, Kelaart. Ceylon.
* G. Mysoriensis, Jerdon. Bangalore.
* G. Indicus, Gray. Nilghiris.
* G. Malabaricus, Jerdon. Malabar.
* G. littoralis, Jerdon. Malabar.
* G. Deccanensis, Sykes. Dakhan.
32 Catalogue of Reptiles,
NAULTINUS, Blyth.
62. N. VAEiEGATus, Bljtli. J. A. S. XXA^III., p. 279.
Gymnodactylus variegatus^
Bliftli apud Guntlier.
«. type specimen. Tenasserim (?) W. Atkinsoii; Esq.
Fine male. Femoral pores thirty in an uninterrupted line. The six cen-
tral or prieanal pores are strong-ly marked and conspicuous. On either side
of them the femoral pores are well defined, at the extremity of the line, but
become fainter, though present, towards the group of anal pores, which con-
sequently looks isolated, though really standing in one continuous line.
53. N. FASciOLATUs, Blyth, XXIX,, p. 114.
a. h. two young specimens.
in spirit. Subatlioo.
These two species are, as Mr. Blyth says, closely allied, and I am far from,
confident that they are not the same species, the difference between them
being sexual. N. vavieyatus is founded on a fine male. N. fasciolatus on
probably young females. We are not yet in a position to state, from these
three specimens, the extent to \vhich the colour marking may vary in indivi-
duals ; and the banded ornamentation of N. fasciolatus is the most prominent
distinction between the two species.
Xaultinus is I think a well founded genus, connecting Gymnodactylus and
Eublepharis. The toes are long and unequal, slender and spreading, as in
Gymnodactylus, differing therein from Eublepharis which has the toes subequal
and stouter, whilst the ornamentation of the back, being a granular sur-
face regularl}^ shagreened wnth larger tubercles, and the ornate st^de of colo-
ration approximates to Eublepharis.
PUELLULA, Blyth.
54. P. RUBiDA, Blyth.
a. several specimens. Andamans. Capt. Hodge.
EUBLEPHARIS, Gray.
55. E. Hardwickii.
a. h. young specimens. Chaibassa. Ca^Dt. Haugliton.
56. E. MACULARIUS, Blytli.
CyrtodactyJns macular ms, Blyth.
a. type specimen. Salt Range. W. Theobald.
t
HOMONOTA, Gray?
57. H. FASCIATA, Blyth.
a. in spirit, (very
bad state.) Central India (?) Dr. Jerdon.
Catalogue of RcptiUs. ' 33
Limbs very slender. Toes 5 — 5 suhequal, slightly dilated, with cleft
plates beneath. Terminal joints clawed. Head shaped as in Hemidactylus,
and covered with small smooth polygonal scales. Body covered with elongate,
rhomboidal scales, very faintly keeled. Belly covered with similar scales,
but much smaller and smooth. Upper and lower labials 8, band-like.
Eye close to the gape. Eyelids with a series of largish scales, and marked
above the eyebrow with a double line of most minute scales. Largest
scales in the semicircular space between the eyebrow, and with a marked,
but not prominent, orbital ridge.
Scales of limbs small, on inner side of fore arm, granular. Ear an oblique
slit; tympanum hidden; chin shields 8. Scales of throat, small, equal,
granular.
Gray with transverse white bands ; beneath, pale blueish ashen. Very
bad state.
FAM. AGAMIDiE.
DRACO, LiNN^us.
68. D. FIMBRIATUS, Kuhl.
a.h. male and female. Sumatra, Penang(?) Messrs. Edwards
and Foster.
I cannot verify this species with certainty, so I give a few notes of it.
Scales of the back moderate, smooth, irregular and certainly not " equal" as
described by Gray. (Brit. Mus. Cat. Lizards, page 234.) Scales of throat
granular : thos^e of belly and tail sharply keeled. Tympanum naked, smaller
than the eye. Scales of gular pouch smaller and less keeled than those on
the side lappets. Wings ornamented below with broad, rather maculate or
broken up, dark brown bands. Above, this band-like arrangement of colour
is not seen, but only a spotted ornamentation. Scales of head unequal,
keeled. Some tubercular scales about the nape, but no orbital spines or
tubercles. A black spot between the orbits and a second on the nape. Nape
crested in the male.
59. D. TiENioPTERus, Gunthei'.
D. lineatus, D. et B. apud
Blyth.
Dorsal scales small, subequal, faintly keeled. An irregular line of keeled
tubercular scales along each side. Tympanum naked, much smaller than
the eye. Nostrils directed upwards. No orbital tubercle. Scales of belly
moderately keeled. Gular pouch partly covered with large smoothish
scales. Upper labials 6 to 8.
a. 2 males, 3 females. Tenasserim. Major Berdmore.
60. D.VOLANS, L.
a. female. Singapore. C. T. Watkins.
Esq.
Gunther says, the scales of the back are "slightly keeled," but I can detect
it in our specimen, in which respect it approaches D. cornutus, Gunther, but
differs from it in wanting a nuchal crest.
34 C((f(do(jne of Bejjtihs.
61. D. MACULATUS, Gray.
a. 2 males and 1 female. Malacca and Majors Tiokell
Tenasserim. and Berdmore.
The scales of the back are not keeled as stated by Gray, but onl}'^ a few of
them. The lateral row of keeled tubercles, scaled tympanum aud spotted
coloration of the wings readily distinguish this species.
62. D. DussuMiERi, D. et B.
a. h. males stnffed. Madras Museum.
c. female ditto, tail injured.
It is to be regretted these specimens w^ere not preserved in alcohol.
Such specimens as these covered with varnish and dirt, fragile, shrunken, and
with their pouches stuffed to bursting with cotton wool are toys and carica-
tures, and next to useless to the student, for purposes of comparison.
SITANA, CuviER.
63. S. PONTICERIANA, CuY.
a. two males, three
females, and young. Ceylon. E. L. Layard,
Esq. and Dr.
Kelaart.
h. c. adults stuffed. Coromandel Coast.
* S. minor, Guntli. Madras, Ceylon (?)
LYRIOCEPHALUS, Merrem.
64. L. SCUTATUS.
a. three adults. Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
h. one ditto. Ditto. Ditto.
c. stuffed ditto. Ditto. E. L. Layard, Esq.
d. ditto young, bad state. Ditto. Ditto.
COPHOTIS, Peters.
* C. Ceylonica, Pal. Ceylon.
CERATOPHORA, Gray.
* C Stoddartii, Gray. Ceylon.
* C. Tennentii, Gunth. Ditto.
* C. Aspera, Guntli. Ditto.
OTOCllYPTIS, Wiegmann.
* 0. bivittata, Wieg. Ceylon.
f
Catalogue of Reptiles, 35
DILOPHYRUS, Gray.
* D. grandis, Gray. Rangoon.
BRONCHOCELA, Kaup.
* B, jubata. Pondiclierry?
TIARIS, DUMERIL ET BiBRON.
65. T. suBCRisTATA, Blyth.
a. many specimens. Andamans. Capt. Hodge.
h. small individual. Ditto. Lt.-Col Tytler.
Sent as Calotes Harriettce, Tytler MSS.
c. many specimens. Ditto. Ditto.
ORIOTIARIS, aUNTHER.
* 0. Elliotti, Gunth. Sikim.
ACANTHOSxiURA, Gray.
66. A. ARMATA, Gray. Birma. Major Berdmore.
SALEA, Gray.
67. S. Jerdonii, Gray.
Calotes viridis, Gray-, apud Bhjth. (Mus. Label.)
a. four specimens. Nilgbiris. Dr. Jerdon.
Labelled from " South India," but, according to Jerdon, found on the
Kilghiris only.
Readily distinguished from Calotes by the nasal plate being pentagonal,
resting on the first or first and second upper labials, with a row of large plates
behind it above the labials. In Calotes the nasal pli^e is oval and separated
from the labials b}^ two rows of very narrow scales.
CALOTES, CuviER.
68. C. VERSICOLOR, Daud.
a. many specimens. Ceylon. G-. L. Layard,
Esq. and Dr.
Kelaart.
h. many specimens. Martaban. Major Berdmore.
c. adult stuffed. Scind. Sir A. Burnes.
d. ditto ditto.
This species, as remarked by Gunther, seems to attain a liirger size in
Ceylon than elsewhere. I cannot help, however, suspecting that specimens
from all parts of India have been huddled into the two bottles labelled
" Ceyloii' and " Martahan," else, how comes it, there are no specimens in the
Museum of our commonest lizard from other parts ?
36
Catalogue of Bcjjtiles.
Dr. Gimther states that, both " Jerdon and Blyth agree that these bright
changeable colors are peculiar to the male, during the breeding season, which
falls in the month of May and June," but does not express himself as though
fully prepared to admit the opinion of such competent observers. His words
are obscure, — " the ground colour is generally a light brownish olive, but the
lizard can change it to bright red, to black, and to a mixture of both." These
words imply a voluntary eifort on the part of the animal which I doubt, but
from observations I am inclined to believe rather that the colors vary during
the breeding season, (that is the bright seasonal red and black) under the
involuntary stimulus of fear, anger or passion. Gunther makes no mention
of the two black occipital specks, rarely absent in this species, or of the
W'hite band running from the ear down each side, which so commonly
marks the females. In Bengal or Pegu, I have myself never remarked the
brilliant seasonal red of the male extending even to the loins. In Pegu I
have noticed this vivid coloration in early spring. My largest Burmese male
measured 3.75 -|- 11.00 = 1-4.75. Gunther gives 16 inches as the length
of Ceylon specimens, but such dimensions are rare on the continent.
69. C. MYSTACEus, D. et B.
a. two adults.
h. one adult.
Ceylon. E. L. Layard, Esq.
Mei-gui. W. Theobald, Esq., Jnr.
I can by no means understand Dr. Gunther's description of G. mystaceus,
unless on the svipposition that he has confounded two species, as his measure-
ments far exceed anything I ever saw, and are very disproportionate, 19
inches of tail to 5 inches of body in an old male. My largest male, (and the
species is common in Pegu where it is called " the Chameleon" by
Europeans) measures body 4.25, tail 6.00 = 10.25. My largest female,
3.90 X 7.90 = 11.80. Specimens occur a little longer, but these are fully
up to the average of adults. I will add a description of the color from life,
the tints being very variable. Color dark brown, often ruddy vinous, with a
conspicuous white band from the nostrils to behind the shoulder ; and some-
times to the base of the tail. Sometimes only a few dead white spots on
body or white or yellow blotches on the shoulders. Seasonably, (spring and
rains) the male assumes a gorgeous hue, the gular sack, and even the entire
fore part of body, becoming a bright deep blue. In spirit, the blue fades to
green in a ^e\r hours, and eventuallj^ all the colours, save the rusty shoulder
blotches and white side streak, which is generally well defined, disappear.
70. C. Emma, Gray.
a. four adults and 2
young. Mergui.
h. several fine adults and
young. Martaban.
71. C. Ophiomachus, Merr.
a. many specimens.
h. adult,
c. adult var.
Ceylon.
Nicobars.
S. India or
Ceylon (?)
W. Theobald,
Esq., Junr.
Major Berdmore^
E. L. Layard,
Esq. and Dr.
Kelaart.
Capt. Lewis.
CataJofjue of Bejdiles. 37
The f?pecimen c. Is remarkable for wari ting the vertical bands of this species,
but in place of these it has a strongly defined white line down each side of
the spine, from the shoulder, to a short distance along the tail. The tail is
very long, as is the case with this species.
Bodv 2.6, tail 10.00 = 12.60.
. 72. C NEMORicoLA, Jerdoii, J. A. S., XXII, p. 471.
a. type specimen (?) Koonoor Ghat,
Nilgliiris. Dr. Jerdon.
Closely allied to C. Gigas, also found at the same locality. Differs in its
green color, larger smooth scales, less developed crest, and small scales about
the shoulder fold. These characters united are more than mere sexual va-
riations, but the two species are nearly allied.
73. C. Gigas, Blyth, J. A. S. XXII., p. 648.
C. opliiomachiis^ Merr^ J. A. S., XI., 870.
a. adult, in spirit. Mirzapore. Major Wroughton.
h. ditto. Nilgliiri hills. W. Theobald, Jnr.,
Esq.
The original specimen mentioned in J. A. S., XI. is no longer extant.
74. C. TRICARTNATUS, Blj'th, J.
A. S., XXII., p. 650. Darjeeling. Major* Sherwill,
W. Theobald,
C. maria, Gray aioud Gunther. Junr., Esq.
There is no just ground for uniting these species.
C. platyceps, with which Mr. Blyth contrasts it, is no longer in the
Museum, having somehow disappeared, so that I cannot suggest, if it may
be the young of this species or no.
* C. platyceps, Blyth, Khasi hills.
J. A. S., XXL, p. 354.
* C. maria, Gray. Ditto.
* C. Rouxii, D. et B. India (?)
75. C. NIGRILABRIS, Petei's.
0. Rouxii, Du. et Bib. apud Blyth, J. A. S., XXII , p. 647,
33 X 11.7 = 15.0.
Head trigonal, shelving ; nostrils lateral, sub-apical, in after part of a small
rather turned ovate scale. Rostral broad, flcittened, with 5 scales above it in
a row, the two outer rather larger, and in front of the nasal. Upper
labials. Eyelids covered with rows of granular scales. From over nasal to
behind orbit, a row of seven elongate overlapping scales. Nuchal and dorsal
crest moderate from nape to tail, highest on the nape. Above andalittle behind
the tympanum a group of 3 reverted spines. A fold on either side of throat.
Scales slightly keeled, rhombic, with minutely denticulate ends in slightly
descending order, subequal : belly scales rather large and strongly kecded
38 Catalogue of Kept lies,
and spined. Scales of head small, smooth, polygonal ; those of limbs moderate.
Scales in the lumbar region very small, smoothish; at the base of tail very large ;
few lines as large as lumbar scales, very strongly keeled. Colour green, a black
band along the upper jaws involving the tympanum. A pale streak from
the tympanum to shoulder. Scales of throat large, keeled : no gular pouch.
Tail bulging at base, round, long, and tapering.
BRACHYSAURA, Blyth.
B. ORNATA, B. J. A. S. 1856, p. 448. Type no larger in Museum.
CHARASIA.
76. C. DORSALTS.
a. 3 specimens. Nilghiris, Koonoor. W. Theobald, Junr,,
Es(i.
LAUDAKIA.
77. L. TUBERCULATA, Gray.
L. melamira, Blyth.
Stellio Indicus, B. apud Gtmth,
a. young female in spirit. Simla. W. Theobald, Junr.,
Esq.
STELLIO.
78. S. Indicus, Blyth.
S Cyanogaster^ Rupp. f
a. adult. Mirzapore. Major Wroughton.
h. half grown (bifid tail.) Agra. F. L. Stewart, Esq.
c. ditto. Kashmir. W. Theobald, Junr.,
Esq.
The two species {L. tuherculata and S. Indicus) are very closely allied. Un-
fortunately the specimens are not sufficiently numerous for a full comparison.
The most obvious distinction seems to be in the scales of the back, which in
i. tuherculata, are larger, with the keels forming distinct longitudinal lines.
The sole specimen is a female, and the character is probably more decided
in males : in the museum specimen, it is more conspicuous than in larger
specimens of Stellio. In S. Indicus too the sides are armed with spiny
scales, and the coloring seems more varied.
AGAMA.
79. A. AGiLis, Oliv. Punjab W. Theobald, Junr.,
Salt Range. Esq.
80. A. RUDERATA, Oliv.
a. young specimen. Somali land. Lieutenant Speke.
\
Catalogue of Reptiles. 39
MOLOCH, Gray.
81. M. HORRiDUs, Gray.
a. b. adult and young
in spirits. W. Australia. Dr. J. McClelland.
This species may pertain to the next family.
FAM. UROMASTICID.E.
The genera Uromastix, Liolepis and Phrynocephalus, form a very natural
Family quite distinct from the Agamidae among-st which Gunther and other sys-
teraatists have classed them. They are all ground lizards, burrowing in sandy
soils, of very gentle and placid disposition and herbivorous. The larger
species are esteemed for food, and for their presumed invigorating properties.
They are of social habits, usually associating in small communities ; their
burrows being often congregated together, like those of rabbits. Phrynoceplia'
lus is strictly monogamous.
TJromastix, ILardw'ickii, as noted by myself in the Punjab, never goes from
its burrow till the sun is well up, and grazing near the mouth for some hours,
retreats again during the excessive heat. In the evening they re-appear,
and finally retire as the dusk comes on, or earlier, if it is chilly. The}- seem
sensitive to climatic changes and carefully close their burrows with sand, so
that they escape notice unless searched for. Phrynocephalus and Liolepis '
both do the same, and an open burrow Avill generally be found untenanted.
TIromastix shows no wish to bite when taken in the hand, and for all its
claws and spines is a very Quaker among lizards. Phrynocephalus is equally
gentle, and Liolepis also, I believe.
UROMASTIX, DuMERiL et Bibron.
82. U. Hardwickii, Gray.
a. Superb specimen Upper Provinces. Major Wroughton.
in spirit.
h. two specimens. Agra. C. L. Stewart, Esq.
c. stuffed species. Sind. Sir A. Burnes.
LIOLEPIS, Cuvier.
83. L. Reevesii, Gray.
a. large specimen. Arakan. Col. Phayre.
6. three half grown specimen. Martaban. Major Berdmore.
c. six smaller. Ditto. Ditto.
40 Catalogue of Beptiles.
PHPtYNOCEPIIALUS, Kaup.
84. P. CAUDTTOLVULUS, Pall.
p. TiclceJii, Guntlier not Gray.
P. Theohaldi, BJyth.
a. 2 maleSj a female and a
foetus. Shores of Lake
Chomoriri. W. Theobald, Jnr.,
Esq.
I should not describe the tail as depressed, except at its base, but there is
no doubt it is the P. caiulivolvulus of Pallas. The black belly and tail tip
are characteristic of the miile. The female is smiiller and dull coloured, and
produces two or three young. They are of monogamou'j habits, and the
pair occupy a burrow, a few inches deep in the sandy soil, the opening of
which is often concealed by a stone or tuft.
FAM. CHAM^LEONID^.
CHAMJELEO.
85. C. Zeylanicus, Laur. •'
a. female in spirit with eggs.
a fine specimen. Midnapore. Major Wroiighton.
Without -removing this specimen from the bottle, it is clear
that it contains not less than 30 to 35 eggs, though Gun-
ther asserts that they lay only 10 or 12. . *
h. bad state.
86. C. VERRUCOSUS, Blyth, (not Cuv.,) J. A. S., XXII,, 640.
a. fine specimen in spirit. Old collection.
Closely allied to C. dilepis, Leach. ^
Catalogue of Reptiles. 41
OEDER OPIIIDIA.
First Sub-order.
SERPENTES.— COLUBRINI mNOOUl.
FAMILY TYPHLOPID^.
TYPHLINA, Wagler.
T, LiNEATA, Dum. et Bib. Piiiaiig.
TYPHLOPS, DUMERIL ET BiBRON.
T. NiGRO-ALBUS. Duiii. et Bib. Pinang.
Back blackisli, belly yellow. Colors well defined.
T. HORSFiELDii, Gray.
Argyropllis hicolor^ Gray,
a. h. Typlilops nigro-alhus^ Dum. et Bib.
c. Argyropliis Diardii, Dum. et JBih.
V ajjuci Blyth.
These specimens appear to me to belong rather to T. Horsjieldii
than to T. nigvo-aVous, as I cannot satisfactorily distinguish, with a
lens, any suture above the nostril, and the coloration too of the back
and belly is much blended. It is, however, difficult to distinguish
the sutures of specimens long preserved in spirit, a has a conspicuous
pit below the nostril, as in T. hotJiriorliynchus, but no trace of the small
anterior pit described by Giinther.
T. BOTHRioRHYNCHUs, Giuither. Pinang.
A groove below the nostril in the suture between the nasal and
fronto-nasal, and a smaller one between the rostral and nasal.
T. STRioLATUs, Pcters. • Bengal.
T. BRAMiNus, Baud.
a. many specimens. Bengal, Assam, Sylhet.
T. TENUIS, Giinther.
Argyropliis Draminus Daudj ifpud Blyth.
a. h. c, three specimens. Bengal.
These would seem to belong to T. tenuis, Giinther, but are much
more slender than his figure in the Cat. Brit. Ind. Reptiles pi. XVI.
fig. C. which was from probably a very old specimen. The largest
specimens measure 7.5, circumference 0.^0.
42 Catalogue of BeytiJes.
4. T. ?
a. very slender specimen. No record.
Body, 13.00
Tail, 0.50
13.50 Circumference, 0.60.
Body uniform throughout, leaden grey, rather paler beneath, under
tail yellowish.
T. MiRus, Jan. Ceylon.
Like T. Braminus. with yellow snout.
ONYCHOCEPHALUS, Dumeril et Bibron.
0. ACUTUs, Bum. et Bib.
a. five specimens. Chaibassa. Major Haughton.
FAMILY UBOPELTIB^.
BHINOPHIS, Hemprich.
R. oxYRHYNCHUs, Schucid. Ceylon, (Kandy.)
R. PUNCTATUs, Muller. Ceylon.
B. PLANiCEPs, Pet (Philippinus.) Ceylon.
B. TREVELYANus, Kclaart. Ceylon, (Kandy.)
B. SANGUINEUS, Bcddomc. Cherambady in the Wynuud.
B. BLYTHii, Kelaart.
a. nearly full grown. Kandy. Dr. Kelaart.
B. puLNEYENSis, Bcddomc.
a. Three specimens
(one injured). Kandy. Dr. Kelaart.
I have little doubt of the identification or locality; so these specimens
prove the occurrence of a Ceylonese species on the maiuland, as might
have been predicated,
UBOPELTIS, CuviER.
U. GRANDis, Kelaart. Ceylon. Adam's Peak, Matura.
SILYBUBA, Peters.
S. macrolepis. Pet.
S. BEDDOMii, Giinth. Anamullay hills.
S. OCELLATA, Bcddomc, Walaghat, Nilghiris.
S. ELLiOTTi, Gray. Madras.
Catalogue of ReiAiles, 43
S. BioATENATA, Gruiitli. Dakhaii.
S. sHORTTii, Beddome, Shevaray hills.
S. BREVis, Giinth. AnamuUay and Nilgliiri hills.
PLECTRURUS, Dumeril et Bibron,
P. j'ERROTETii, Dum. et Bib.
a. five specimens. Ootakamnnd. W. Theobald,
Very common under stones at " Ooty." Junior, Esq.
P. GuNTHERi, Beddome. Walaghat.
MELANOPHIDIUM, Gunth.
M. WYNAUDENSE, Beddomc. Wynaud. (not Wynand, as spelt
by Gunther )
FAMILY TORTRICID.E.
CYLINDBOPHIS, Wagler.
C. MACULATUS, L.
a. . Ceylon. Dr Kelaart.
C. RUFUS.
a. an adult.
FAMILY CALAMARID.E.
CALAMARIA, Boie.
C. CATENATA, Blyth, Assam. W. Robinson, Esq.
J. A. S. XXIIL 287.
The type specimen is no longer in the Museum.
C. QUADRIMACULATA, DuM. et BiB. RailgOOU.
The species of this genus are mostly from the Indian Archipelago,
though I have noted one species in Pegu. The species described by
Mr. Blyth, except perhaps G. catenata, all belong to other genera, but
will be noticed elsewhere.
GEOPHIS, Wagler.
G. microcephalds Giinth. Nilsrliiris.
G. (Platyi'teryx PEKROTETij Dum. et Bib. Nilgliirii*.)
44 Cntalofjue of Reptiles.
ASPIDURA, Wagler.
A. BRAYORRHOs, Boie.
a. Kaclriganain. Dr. Kelaart.
A. copii, Guntli.
A. TRACHYPROCTA, Cope.
HAPLOCERCUS, Gunther.
H. CEYLONENSIS, Glmtll.
FALCONERIA, gen. nov.
Scales faintly keeled in seventeen rows. One anterior transverse
frontal rather small. Two posterior frontals wliicli enter the orbit.
Upper labials five. Pupil round.
F. BENGALENSIS, U. S.
Head not very distinct from body, rather ovate and elongate, rather
narrowed in front. Nostril almost dividing a small nasal (perhaps
two small nasals). Loreal one, small, squarish. Ante-ocular very
elongate. Upper labials five. The first very small, second and third
enter the orbit, fourth and fifth large, increasing in size regularly from
the first backwards. Anal bifid. Three undivided sub-caudals, the others
divided.
a. Type specimen. Parisnath. A. Grote, Esq.
This species approaches the Ceylonese genus Haplocercus, but differs
too materially to be considered a second species, and I have therefore
formed a new genus for its reception, bearing the name of the late
eminent Palaeontologist whose loss is still so fresh amongst us.
BLYTHIA, GEN. NOV.
Scales smooth in thirteen rows. Loreal none. Ante-ocular none,
both replaced by, a very large posterior frontal. Pupil round, sub-
caudals bifid.
B. RETICULATA, Blyth.
Calamaria reticulata^ Bhjth^ J. A. S., XXIII.
Nostril in a small oblong shield. Frontals two pairs, anterior small ;
posterior very large. Vertical and superciliary moderate or smallish.
Posterior frontal forms a suture with the nasal, second and third upper
labials, the superciliary and vertical which has an obtuse angle in
front. Upper labials six. First very small ; third and fourth enter the
orbit; sixth largest.
Occipitals large; lower labials five; 1st moderate, 2nd and 3rd small,
4th large, 5th band-like, narrow. The iirst lower labials form a suture,
and are followed by a pair of very large chin shields which are again
followed by a pair of small ones, the suture falling in the centre of
the 4th lower labial. Anal bilid.* Tail round, short.
Catalogue of Reptiles. 45
a. b. type specimens. Assam. W. Robinson, Esq.
Color "shining dull black, brilliant and iridescent with wliite
specks on side."
This species was originally described most imperfectly by Mr. Blyth.
(Z. c.) but it differs so from Galamaria, that I am. forced to refer it to a
new genus, bearing the name of my eminent friend.
GKOTEA, GEN. NOV.
Scales smooth in seventeen rows. Loreal one, small, Frontals two,
transverse, one anterior, one posterior. Pupil round.
Gr. BicoLOR, Blyth.
Calamaria hicolor, Blyth, J. A. S. XXTII, 289.
C. hypoleuca, Blyth.
Ahlahes hicolor, Blyth, apud Gilntherf
Nostril pierced in the centre of a large nasal. Loreal small. Kos-
tral broad. Anterior frontal transverse, two-thirds as broad as ros-
tral. Posterior frontal transverse, broader than rostral. Ante-ocular
one, small. Postoculars two, small. Superciliaries small. Vertical five-
sided, broader than long, base in front, sides next to base only as long
as superciliaries. Occipitals large. Upper labials five. Third higher
than the rest, enters the orbit ; fifth largest. Anal bifid. "Eye small.
Colour " dusky plumbeous above, buffy white below, gradually
blending."
It is quite impossible to retain this species as a Galamaria, and
I have accordingly separated it as a new genus, named after the
present indefatigable President of our Society. Glinther refers this
species to his Ahlahes hicolor, but he describes the nostrils as between
" ttvo small shields" which is not the case in our type. Giinther seems
to make " Ahlahes" the receptacle of forlorn species of Calamarid^e.
TRACHISCHIUM, GuxNther.
Scales smooth, in thirteen rows. Posterior frontals, united. Pupil
round.
T. FUSCUM, Blyth.
Calamaria fusca, Blytli, J. A. S. XXIII. 288.
Trachischium fuscum, Blyth, (Museum label.)
Calamaria {and trachischiuvi) ohscuro-striata, Blyth.
Anterior frontals minute. Posterior frontal single, Yevj large, larger
than vertical; vertical rather small, pointed behind, truncate in front.
Superciliary large, one-third as large as vertical. Loreal small, elongate:
ante-ocular one, post-ocular one, rather larger : upper labials six. 1st
very small, 3rd and 4th enter the orbit, 6th largest. Anal bifid. " Iri-
descent brown-black, under parts particularly lustrous." Obscurely
streaked also with pale lines, but these are now faded and obsolete.
46 Catalogue of Heptiles.
a. Two adults and one young. Darjiling. W.T.Blanford, Esq.
5. Two specimens (one injured.) Rangoon. (?) Purchased.
I think the peculiarity of the single posterior frontal a good generic
mark of separation from both Ahlahes and Calamaria, and adopt conse-
quently Giinther's genus. (Brit. Mus. Gal. Coluhrine Snakes, page, 30.)
FAMILY OLIGODONTID.E.
OLIGODON, BoiE.
0. SUBPUXCTATUS, Dum. et Bib.
a. one adult, many young. Bengal, Assam, Malabar, Piuang.
0. SUBGRISEUS, Dum. et Bib. Anamallies.
0. spiLONOTus, Giinth. Madras.
0. ELLioTTi, Giinth. Ditto.
0. spiNiPUNCTATUs, Jan. Calcutta.
0. FASCIATUS, Giinth. Dakhan.
0. suBLiNEATus, Dum. ct Bib. Ceylon.
0. AFFixis, Gimth. Anamallies.
0. TEMPLETONII, Gtuith. Ccylou.
0. MODESTUS, Giinth. Ceylon (?)
0. DORSALis, Gray. Afghanistan. (?)
0. BREviCAUDA, Giinth. Anamallies.
SIMOTES, DUMERIL ET BiBRON.
S. BICATENATUS, Guuth.
a. five adults.
h. two ditto.
c. two ditto. Pegu. W. Theobald,
Junior, Esq.
d. one ditto. Ditto. Ditto.
These specimens have the lower ante-ocular very small, thereby dif-
fering from S. imnctulatus. As, however, the coloration is much like
var. y of S. inmctulahis, I think they may belong to the allied species
Giinther names, without fully describing, S. Lahuanensis, Giinth., which
has a small lower ante-ocular.
e. two young. Jessore, Mergui.
One specimen has a minute lower ante-ocular, and is doubtless,
S. hicatenatiis from Morgui. The other jjroljably belongs to a variety,
perhaps to IS. atblvcider.
Catalogue oj Bepfiles. 47
/ four young. (?) Ceylon. E. L.jLayard, Esq.
(J. two young. (?) Ditto. Ditto.
These specimens /. and g. agree in having only one anteocnlar and
two postoculars all sub-equal. Unless all young, they may possibly
belong to Giinther's 8. cdhi venter, though they* have a loreal, which in
his type was wanting, possibly a mere individual peculiarity.
S. ALBOCiNCTUs, Cautor.
^enodon purpurascens, Ma^Jc-zoned var.
Ditto ditto J lohite-hcnuled var,
a. two adults. Assam. Mr. Robinson.
h. two adults, one young.
These differ from the type in having the ante-oculars only two in
number and sub-equal.
S. RussELLii, Daud.
a. one large and one small specimen.
I. two adults, one young. C. and S.India, Ceylon, Omerkantak.
I do not quite understand how these snakes can come from four local-
ities as these are stated to do. This vagueness in labelling is much to
be deprecated.
s. ?
a. five adults. Goalpara. Dr. Thornburn.
* S. vENUSTUs, Jerdon. West coast.
S. BiNOTATUs, Dum. et Bib. Nilghiris.
* S. ALBIVENTER, Gliuth.
* S. PUNCTULATUS, Giiuth. Nepal, Khasi hills.
I am much inclined to question the soundness of Giinther's splitting
S. purpurascens into so many shreds as he has done, that is, of giving
specific rank to its different varieties. The varieties are perhaps local,
but I am far from sure that the number of scales and the size of the
oculars relatively and positively is sufficiently fixed to form the basis
of specific separation. The pattern, I admit, is wonderfully inconstant,
but the head-markings and aspect of what have hitherto been ranked
as varieties of S. purpurascens, have so strongly marked and uniform a
character, that I incline to the old arrangement rather than to the
new. A better series than we possess in this Museum is much wanted,
and an authentic one as far as locality, to aid in solving this point.
S. CRUENTATUS, Th. U. S.
Scales in seventeen rows. Nasals large, loreal small, anteocnlar one,
postoculars two, anal bifid. Upper labials seven, fourth and fifth enter
orbit. Eye moderate, pupil large, black. Habit more slender than
S. hicatenatus. Colour above uniform umber-brown, without markings,
the colour extending over the edges of the ventral plates, beneath
yellowiish white, with numerous square black blotches. Tail beneath
48 Cafalof/ue of Be}>files.
bright deep coral red, mottled with black, tongue red. Sometimes
anal deep red, with a black baud behind the vent. Common about
KauorQon and Pesru.
a. type specimen. Rangoon. W. Theobald,
• Junr., Esq.
S. oBscuEus, Th. n. s.
Form stout, scales smooth, in nineteen rows. Anal entire. Rostral
well produced backwards. Anterioii' frontals narrow, oblique, their hinder
points almost reaching the vertical (in one specimen they do). Poste-
rior frontals rhomboidal. Vertical and occipitals very broad. Loreal
minute. Preeocular one : postoculars two. in all equal. Upper labials
eight; fourth and fifth enter the orbit; fifth highest, narrow. Three
pair of chin shields, the second just touching the fifth lower labial.
Ventrals broad. Tail very stout. Colour uniform yellowish dusky,
darker beneath.
a. two specimens.
A somewhat aberrant Siniotes (?) without any record of donor
or locality.
S. CRASsus, Th. n. s.
Scales smooth, in nineteen rows. Praeoculars two; the lowest is small,
and looks like a detached piece of the 4th lower labial. Postoculars
two, small, sub-equal. Anterior frontals not much smaller than poste-
rior ones. Vertical pentagonal, straight in front, sides converging.
Occipitals very broad in front, just touching lowest postocular. Upper
labials nine, 5th and 6th enter the orbit, 8th largest. Chin shields three
pairs, with a median groove between.
Colour uniform brown throughout, with faint markings on the head,
yellowish beneath.
This specimen was, by a clerical error, labelled " Cerhems hooeformis^
Loiver Bengal" and is so rammed into its bottle, that I do not like to
corapletel}' extract it for closer examination. It must be nearly three
feet long, and is stout in j^roportion. No record of donor.
FAMILY COPtONELLID^.
ABLABES, DuMERiL et Bibron.
A. TENUICEPS, Blytli.
Calamaria tenuiceps, BIythy J. A. S., XXIII., p. 288.
a. type in bad state. Darjiling. Major Sherwill.
This species, by its thirteen rows of scales, is a transitional form
towards the Gala mar uke, but with the plates of the head normal and
none united as in that Family. Tliis character of some of the plates of
the head being united, which marks the Calaynaridce, induces me to
exclude from this genus two species included by Giinther, — Ahlahes
fuscus, B. and Ahlahes hicolor,'B. separated in this Catalogue as Grotea. hi-
colorsLud Tracldschuimfusciiin,ixu.(]L]joth.in(AudQd among the Galamaridce.
Catalogue of Iteptiles. 49
* A. Rappii, Giintli. Sikim.
* A. Olivaceus, Bedclome. Nilgliiris.
* A. Sagittarius, Cantor. Pinang, Tirlioot, Kangra.
* A. HuMBERTi, Jerclou. Madras^ Ceylon.
* A. coLLARis, G-my. Nepal, Khasi hills.
A. scRiPTus, Blyth.
Coronella scripta^ Bh/th.
Closely allied to A. haliodirus, but seems to differ too much to be
safely united.
Scales in thirteen rows. Anteocular one. Postoculars two, smalL
Loreal very small, much smaller than postocular. Posterior frontals
broader than long. Upper labials, eight. The 3rd, 4th and 5th enter
the orbit. A long narrow temporal, forming a suture with both
postoculars and 6th and 7th labials; 7th labial largest, more than
twice as broad as temporal. Two pairs of chin shields, the hinder
rather larger than the other. First in contact with four labials. The
second pair in contact with the 5th labial and part of 4th.
Lower labials, seven. 5th largest.
Colour above brown. A few black dots on either side of spine on
the front part of trunk. A black mark under the eye, followed by a
white ujDright border involving the postoculars. A black bordered
white patch on the last upper labial, and a white collar on naiDC.
Beneath white.
«
a. Martaban. Major Berdmore.
CYCLOPHIS, aUNTHER.
C. FR^NATUS, Gimth. Afghanistan.
C. CALAMARiA, Giiutli. Ccylou, S. India.
C. MONTicoLA, Cantor.
This specimen agrees tolerably with the description of the type,
making allowance for individual variation.
Scales smooth, in fifteen rows, no enlarged vertebrals. Nostril in a
large oblong shield. Loreal small, half as large as anteocular, Anteo-
cular one, large. Postoculars two, subequal. Frontals broader than
long. Anterior ones half as large as posterior. Vertical rather small.
OccijDitals large. Superciliaries large, two-third as large as vertical.
Upper labials seven, 3rd and 4th enter the orbit, anal bifid. Eye rather
large, pupil round.
Colour dark olive brown. A broad blackish streak from eye to nape,
thinning off into an almost invisible line down the back. Beneath it
three filiform dark lines, formed by the dark edges of the scales along
the sides.
C. CATENATUS, Th. n. s.
Anteocular one. Postoculars two, the lower very minute. Loreal
small. Anal entire. Upper labials six. The 3rd and 4th entering the
orbit. Lower labials six. First deep, forming a suture with the oppo-
site one. 2nd small, 4th and 5th very large.
^0 Catalogue of Bejitiles.
Colour yellowisli browii. many scales, black spotted, forming obscure
lines down the body. Belly yellowisli white. Each ventral with a
terminal black dot, forming a conspicuous chain of spots down each
side of abdomen.
a. Simla. Purchased.
C. ^STITUS, L.
a. two specimens. North Carolina. Rev. F. Fitzgerald.
CHLOKOPHIS, Theobald, Gex. Nov.
Aspect much as in Cijclophis. Head rather distinct from neck.
Eye moderate, round puj)il ; scales smooth, in fifteen rows. Nostril
between two nasals.
C. Oldhami, Th. n. s.
Anteocular one. Postoculars two. Loreal longish. Other head
shields normal, proportionate.
Upper labials eight, regularly increasing in size. Fourth and fifth
enter the orbit, chin shields two pair in contact with six labials. The
hinder chin shields a trifle longer than the front one. First lower
labials form a suture, 2nd very small, 6th the largest.
Body, 11.0
Tail, 5.5 = 16.5.
Colour above uniform bronze brown, beneath cuticle in spirit, blue,
a. young. Simla. Purchased.
I have named this interesting ally of Cydoplns after Dr. Oldham,
Director of the Geological Survey of India, whose advice and encour-
agement, in the preparation of the present Catalogue, I should not pass
by unacknowledged.
ODONTOMUS, DuMERiL et Bibron.
* 0. NYMPHA, Daud.
* 0. SEMiFAseiATUs, Giinth.
* 0. GRACILIS, Giinth. Anamallies.
NYMPHOPHIDIUM, Gunther.
* N. 5IACULATUM, Giinth. India.
ELACHISTODON, Reiniiardt.
* E. WESTERMANNI, Reiuh.
CORONELLA, Laurenti. (.<p.)
* C. orientalis, Gimth. Dakhan.
C. sayi, riolbr.
a. adult and young. North Carolina. Rev. F. Fitzgerald,
(labelled Homalopsis buccata.)
Catalogue of BepfiJea. 51
I am doubtful of this determination, but have no means of comparing
specimens.
Scales smooth, in 21 rows. Anteocular one. Postoculars two.
Loreal small. Upper labial eight, 3rd and 4th enter the orbit. Nostril
between two nasals, anal bifid.
Colour deep brown (black?) Back broadly barred with yellow.
Belly brown with many scuta, partly yellow-coloured. All the head
shields syiiimetricalhj yellow spotted.
FAMILY DOSYPELTIDaE.
ELADISTODA, Beinhardt.
E. Westermanni, Bein. Buugpore.
FAMILY COLUBBID.E.
PHAYBEA, Theobald, Gen. Nov.
Allied to Cohiher and Odontomus. Habit moderate or stoutish ;
scales smooth, sub-equal, hexagonal. Nasal oblong, reaching to the
top of the head, pierced somewhat posteriorly by a moderate nostril
with an oblique slit to the first labial, e3'e full, pupil round, anal bifid.
P. IsABELLINA, U. S. Th.
Loreal one, anteocular one. Postoculars two. Upper labials eight.
Fourth and fifth enter the orbit. Sixth largest. Scales in seventeen
rows.
Color buff or yellowish Isabelline brown, with a narrow dark stripe
down each side of back, and a broader one on either side of the belly.
Belly yellowish, colors strongly contrasted.
Named in compliment to Lt.-Col. Phayre, the highly esteemed, able,
and popular Governor of British Birma.
a. Type specimen. Bassein.
COLUBER LiNNJEus, (sp.)
C. PORPHYRACEUs, Cantoi". Assam and Khasi hills.
C. cpiadrivittatus, Holbr. (?) North America.
a. adult, (rather bleached.)
I refer this snake to this species with doubt, having no proper means
of determining it.
Scales in twenty-seven rows. Keeled on the back. Nostrils large
between two large nasals. Loreal small, squarish. Anteocular one,
large, not quite reaching the vertical. Postoculars two, small, equal.
Other shields regular, normal. Anal bifid. The hinder frontals are large
curving over to supplement the small loreal. Upper labials eight,
regular, subequal, 3rd and 4th enter the orbit. Colour buff", darker on
back, and a chain of darker oval spots along the side. Length
42 inches. Belly uniform, spotless.
C. Nuthalli, Th.
G. piciits, Carli/Ie, (mss.)
Scales smooth, in twenty-three rows. Upper labials nine, fifth and
sixth enter the orbit. Anteocular one, very large, touching the ver-
tical. Postoculars two, small. Loreal smaU : longer than broad. On
62 Catalogue of ReptUes.
one side, a small piece is detached from the 4th upper labial and enters
the orbit. Vertical large, with sub-parallel sides. Superciliaries very
large, almost equalling the vertical rostral, a little broader than high.
Nostril rather small, between two large nasals. Lower labials twelve,
two subequal pairs of chin shields forming a suture with seven labials.
Seventh lower labial much the largest.
Colour reddish grey, with four rows of elongate, rhomboidal, intensely
black spots each enclosing a pale ocellus. These spots fade towards
the hinder part of trunk and on the tail are replaced by four deep
brown bands, two broad dorsal ones and two narrow lateral ones,
separated by narrow white bands. An oval black spot from eye
to gape.
a. young. Birnia. Col. Nuthall.
C. coLUBRiNus, Blyth.
a, in a bad state for
description. Darjiling. W. T. Blanford, Esc[.
C. (Platyceps) semi-fasciatijSj Blyth.
Scales smooth, in nineteen rows. Anteoculars two, the lower very
minute, upper large, touching the vertical. Postoculars two, subequal.
XJjDper labials nine, fifth and sixth enter the orbit. Occipitals very
large, nearly twice the size of the vertical, squarely truncate behind.
Vertical with very concave sides. Superciliaries large, pointed in
front. Loreal square, very small.
Colour pale olive grey, transversely dark, barred and spotted. The
bars of the neck breaking ujd into spots on the body and becoming
obsolete behind. A horse shoe mark with the end directed backwards
on the occipitals. A pale elongate lateral ocellus on each occipital.
Belly white.
a. young specimen. Subathoo. Bev. Cave Brown.
COMPSOSOMA, DuMERiL et Bibron. (sp.)
C. RADiATUM, Beinw.
a. adult and 2 young. Bamri. Capt. Abbott.
h. adult.
0. MELANURUM, Schl.
C. RETicuLARE, Cantor.
€. HoDGsoNi, Giinth.
CYNOPHIS, Gray.
C. MALABARICUS, JordoU.
a. adult. South India. P. Jerdon.
h. young.
C. Helena, Baud. Ceylon, Madras.
p. MUCOSUS, L.
a. adult.
h. ditto.
c. young'.
d. ditto.
e. adult.
Catalogue of Reptiles,
PTYAS, FlTZINGER.
Bengal.
Port Blair.
Subathoo.
Andamans.
Calcutta.
53
Lt.-Col. Tytler.
Kev. Cave Brown,
Lt.-Col. Tytler.
Mr. Swarries.
P. Korros, Beinw.
a. half grown, Ceylon.
1). Darjiling.
c. young, (white barred.) Bangoon.
Dr. Kelaart.
Capt. Sherwill.
Dr. Fayrer.
Labelled '' pidiis" by Mr. Carlyle, but has only 15 rows of scales ; the
type of " p ictus'' having 23, (vide jDage 51.)
d. two young.
c. adult.
P. constrictor.
a.
Groalpara.
Dr. Thornburn.
South Carolina. Bev. T. Fitzo-erald.
XENELAPHIS, Guntiier.
X. HEXAHONOTrs, Cautor.
a. half grown.
ZAMENIS, Wagler.
Z. VENTRiMACULATUs, Gray.
Coluber diadema, Blytli,
a. adult. ?
* Z. DiADEMA, Schl.
* Z. GRACILIS, Giinth,
Z. FASCIOLATUS, SliaW.
a. adult.
h. ditto.
Sind, Bombay.
Sind, Dakhan.
B?
amri.
Purchased.
c. young.
South India. P. Jerdon.
This specimen was labelled, " Gorypliodon yictus," but it is cer-
tainly Z. fasciolatus. The 5th upper labial has its ascending ramus
detached to form a supernumerary postocular, three in all, but the
large frontals, very broad, vertical anteriorly, and 21 rows of smooth
scales sufficiently indicate the species.
d. adult. •'
54 Cafalogye of Bcpltlc!^.
In our adult specimens a. and h., the 3rd uj^per labial is undivided,
and therefore just enters the orbit with its posterior angle. In the
young, the anteocular touches the vertical as described by Giinther,
but does not quite reach it in either of the adult specimens a. h. and d.
ZAOCYS, Cope.
Z. CARINA! us, Giinth.
a. skin and tail of adult. Darjiling. Major Sherwill.
h. several ditto, S. E. Himalaya.
HERPETOREAS, Guntheii.
H. SiEBOLDi, Giinth. Sikim.
Scales in nineteen rows, feebly keeled on the back. Anal and sub-
caudals bifid. Eostral broader than high, convex just reaches the
surface of head. Anterior frontals sub-pentagonal, broadest behind,
rather more than half as large as the posterior frontals, which are hewt
down at the side. Vertical, superciliaries and occipitals normal, pro-
portionate. ISTostril between two largish nasals. Loreal small, smaller
than nasal. Anteoculars two, the upper large, but does not touch ver-
tical. The lower small, wedged in between the third and fourth labials ;
looks like a detached piece of the third labial. Postoculars two, small,
the lowest in contact with two temporals. Upper labials eight, the
fourth and fifth enter the orbit.
Chin shields two pair, contiguous, touching six lower labials. First
lower labials form a suture, second very small, sixth largest.
Eye large, pupil round, ventrals strongly upturned at the sides, the
upturned ends being dark coloured. Colour above olive brown. A black
band down each side of spine from neck to tail, with an interspace of
five scales between. A second narrower band two scales below the last.
Belly dusky, throat yellow.
A black streak from eye to gape.
This deserij)tion is taken from a specimen in the possession of
jMr. Grote.
One specimen exists in the museum, as far as I can judge, without
extracting it from the bottle. It differs from the above and agrees
with the type in having only one anteocular ; but as in the above speci-
men the eye is on the 4th and 5th upper labials, whereas the type has
three upper labials entering the orbit, this is probably an individual
peculiarity.
a. adult. No record.
TROPIDONOTUS, Kuhl.
T. QUINCUNCIATUS, Schl.
T. umhratuSj Schl.
a. three specimens. Bengal, Pinang, Rangoon.
h. adult & 2 young. Bengal.
c. Upper Pegu. W. T. Blanford, Esq.
Catalogue of Bejitiles.
55
d. Upper Pegu. W. T. Blanford, Esq.
e. Andamaiis. Col. Tj^tler.
/. Sunderbuns. A. C. L. Carljde, Esq.
(J. ? style of mavkiiig of this species, but can't be removed
from the bottle, neither is any note attached.
T. STRioLATUs, Blvth. Andamans. Lt.-Col. Tytler.
Scales in nineteen roTVS.
Anteocnlar one, postocnlars three or fonr. Upper labials eight.
Third and fonrth enter orbit, when fonr postocnlars are present only
the third enters the orbit ; anal divided, Colonr pale olive brown. A dark
patch below the eye, a conspicuous dark leaden stripe from behind^
the eye over tlie angle of the mouth all down the side, with a second
narrower one below it. The lower stripe passes through the upper
edges of the second row of scales. Beneath white. IS[o ventral dots.
The ventral row of scales white with brown tips.
Body 22.5, tain 2 = 345.
T. suBMixTATUs, Beiuw.
a. several specimens.
t. several specimens.
c. (?) large specimen,
no markings.
T. STOLATUS, L.
Bungpore.
Bamri.
Pegu.
Assam.
No record.
Mr. Bonneau.
Capt. Abbot.
Capt. Berdmore.
T. Bobinson, Esq.
a. three specimens.
1). two ditto.
c.
d.
Calcutta (?)
Ceylon.
Calcutta.
Near Calcutta. A. C. L. Ciirlyle, Esq.
T. NIGEOCINCTUS, Blyth.
a. many specimens. Pegu.
T. PLATYCEPs, Blvth. J. A. S. XXIII.
a. two specimens. Darjiling.
The Assam and Khasia specimens (1. c.) are no longer in the
museum. This is a very aberrant species, with rounded frontals and
almost smooth scales. It might advantageously in my opinion be
separated, but I follow Dr. Gunther in retaining it in the genus, as I
have no good specimens to diagnose.
T. AXGUSTTCEPs, Blyth. J. A. S. XXIII. p. 295.
a. adult and young. Bamri. Capt. Abbot.
T. MACROPs, Blyth. J. A. S. XXIII. p. 29G.
a. two specimens. Darjiling. Capt. Slier will.
(?)
Dr. Kelaart.
T. Moseley, Esq.
Major Berdmore.
p. 297.
Capt. W. T. Sherwilh
66
Caialorjue of Reptiles.
T. PLUMBicoLOR, Caiitor.
2Lenodon viridisj Dam. et. Bih.
a. young.
T.
FASCIATUS, L.
T.
ORDINATUS, L.
T.
NATRIX, L.
a.
h.
T. OLiVACEUs, Blytli.
a. two specimens.
T. DiPSAs, Blyth.
a. specimen in very
poor state.
Bundelkand. Dr. Spilsbury.
N. Carolina. Rev. J. Fitzgerald.
Ditto. Ditto.
England. R. Hancock, Esq.
Ditto. E. Blyth, Esq.
? ?
W. T. Blanford, Esq.
Darjiling.
The type specimen of Blytli's description is no longer in the
museum.
T. ?
a. specimen in too poor a state for description.
Darjiling. W. T. Blaniord, Esq.
T. MACRorHTHALMUs, Giintli. Kliasl hills.
T. HiMALAYANus, Giiiitli. Nipal, Sikim,
T. MONTicoLA, JerdoUj Wynaud.
T. Ceylonensis, Giinth. Ceylon.
T. Beddomii, Giinth. Nilghiri hills.
T. zEBRiNus, Blyth. Mergui.
J. A. S. XXIII. p. 295.
Type specimen presented by Major Berdmore, no longer in
the museum.
T. HYDRUS, Pall.
a, ? ?
I have no doubt of this identification.
Scales 19 rows. Eight upper labials, only the fourth entering the
orbit. Superciliary very large. Anteoculars three, postoculars five.
It is particularly annoying that the label of this specimen is torn off.
It is recorded with doubt as from Iiulia Ijy Gunther in his Brit. Mus.
Catalogue, page 63, but excluded from his Catalogue of Indian reptiles.
The fragment of a label remaining, seems to show it was presented by
a clergyman, " Rev." remaining ; probably the Rev. Cave Brown or the
Rev. Lindstedt, in which case it is probably an Asiatic specimen. As
it is not an American species, it is unlikely to be our American contri-
butor Rev. F. Fitzgerald.
Catalogue of Eeptiles. 57'
T. MoRTONi^ Theobald.
Scales strongly keeled, in nineteen rows.
Anteoculars two, the lowest most minute, looks like a fragment
detached from the second labial. Postoculars three small, equal ; on
one side all united into a narrow band, half as broad but almost equal
in length to the superciliary. Anterior frontals squarish, truncate in
front, posterior frontals broader than long. Loreal small. Anal bifid.
Upper labials seven, third and fourth enter the orbit. Two pair
large chin shields. The hinder ones rather larger and longer. Colour
(bleached) pale brown with a darker vertebral stripe. On the side
of body, obsolete rows of white (yellow) splash-like or linguiform
spots, those bordering the vertebral stripe being conspicuous and
cateniform, and occupying the upper basal portion of the scale. A few
dark spots subordinately intermingled, but which form a sort of
cateniform line each side of the spine. Belly yellowish. JN^o marks on
the head.
a. type.
Labelled " Homolopsis^^ by Mr. Carlyle, but no note of
donor or locality.
This species seems to approach nearest to T. tigrinus, but the
coloration is entirely different.
I have much pleasure in naming it after Dr. Morton, Civil Surgeon
of Port Blair, who has most obligingly forwarded me, oh more than
one occasion, interesting collections from Port Blair and the neigh-
bourhood.
ATEETIUM, Cope.
A. ScHisTosuM, Daud.
a. many specimens. Lower Bengal.
I. Ditto. A. C. L. Carlyle, Esq.
XENOCHBOPHIS, aiJNTHER.
X. CERASOG ASTER, Cantor.
a. Lower Bengal. ?
FOWLEA, TUEOBALD.
A. Tropidonotus, with smooth scales and the aspect o^ Hijpsirhina.
F. Peguensis, Theobald.
Head as in Tropidonotus. Upper labials nine. The fourth and fifth
enter the orbit. Anteocular one, Postoculars three, Loreal one
squarish, Nasals two, Frontals two ^oair, anterior ones small and pointed.
Vertical moderate, Superciliaries and Occipitals large. Anal bifid.
68 Catalogue of Reptiles,
Scales smootli, lozenge- shaped, on neck in seventeen, on body in fifteen
rows.
Colour of male dark umber brown, beneath white ; colours distinctly
separated, upper labials white.
Females, yellowish brown, mottled largely with yellow, which colour
sometimes predominates.
a. adult male, (type.) Rangoon. W. Theobald,
Junr., Esq.
Captured by E. Fowle, Esq., who is one of the very few
who have liberally aided me in the study of our Indian
reptiles.
CADMUS, Theobald.
Head thick, cuneiform. Form stout, but otherwise much like Tro-
pitlonotus. Scales smooth, in 27 rows. Anal bifid, eye moderate,
pupil round.
C. cuNEiFORMis, Thcobald.
Rostral large, running well back on the top of the head and encroach-
ing between the anterior frontals. j^ostril between two nasals.
Anterior frontals very small. Posterior frontals large. Loreal small,
triangular, with apex between anteocular and posterior frontal. An-
teocular one large, postocular three, upper labial seven, only the fourth
entering the orbit.
Head high shelving in front, pointed, stout and cuneiform. A large
pair of chin- shields in contact with 5 labials and followed by a small
pair.
Colour yellowish olive brown. An obsolete band of spots, down the
back on each side of spine, and lower on the side a strongly defined
band of black spots, many of them like a hollow horseshoe four scales
apart. Below dusky white, with an elongate streaky spot at the side
hetween each 4th and 5th ventral.
a. type. Simla. Purchased.
This very curious snake partakes of the characters of Tropidonotus
and Hypsirhina even more than Pegua does.
TOMODON, DuMERiL et Bibron.
T. STRiGATUs, Dum. et Bib.
a. specimen injured. Calcutta. Mr. C. Swaries,
This specimen is so crushed that I cannot make out its head shields,
but it appears to be identical with a single specimen obtained by
m.yself in Birma. It is not included in Giinther's Indian Reptiles, but
is recorded from India in the Brit. Mus. Cat. Colubrine Snakes, p. 62.
Perhaps Hypsirhina plvmhea,
Catalogue of ReiAiles.
FAMILY PSAMMOPHID.E.
PSAMMOPHIS, BoiE.
P. SIBILANS, L.
a. Somali country. Lt. Speke.
P. condanaruSj Merrcm.
PSAMMODYNASTES, Gunther.
P. PULYERULENTUS, Boie.
Dipsas ferruginea^ Cantor.
a. five adults.
h. two adults. Assam. Robinson, Esq.
c. many specimens. Birma.
d.
FAMILY DENDROPHID.E.
GONYOSOMA, Wagler.
G. oxYCEPHALUM, Boie.
Herpetodryas prasinus^ Blyth.
59
a. five adults.
Andamans.
Capt. Hodge.
h. ditto.
Mergui.
W. Theobald, Jr..
, Esq.
c. ditto.
Pegu.
Major Berdmore.
d. smaller.
Assam.
Robinson, Esq.
e. young.
Andamans.
Lt.-Col. Tytler.
G. gramineum,Gunth.,Khasi hills.
G. fra?natum, Gray. Ditto.
DENDROPHIS, Boie.
D. picTUs, Gmel.
a. adult.
h. two ditto.
c. two ditto.
d. two ditto,
e. three ditto.
/. two ditto.
g. large adult.
Ramri.
Andamans.
Mergui.
Assam.
Malacca.
Andamans.
Calcutta.
Capt. Abbot.
Capt. Hodge.
Major Berdmore.
Major Jenkins.
Rev. E. Lindstedt.
Col. Tytler.
E. Blyth, Esq.
60 Catalogue of Be/pt lies.
CHRYSOPELEA, Boie.
C. ORNATA, Shaw.
a. four specimens.
h. two ditto. Malacca Rev. E. Lindstedt.
c. three ditto.
d. Fine adult. Shuegheen. Major Berdmore.
This specimen was captured devouring a Ptychozoon.
e. young, black banded.
FAMILY DRYIOPHID^.
TROPIDOCOCCYX, aiJNTHER.
T. Perroteti, Dum. et Bib.
Leptophis Canariensisj Jerdon. J. As. Soc. Bengal, XXII.
p. 650.
a. adult. Ootakamund. W. Theobald, Jr., Esq.
TRAGOPS, Wagler.
T. PRAsiNUs, Reinw.
a. adult. Pinang. Brigr. Frith.
h. ditto. Mergui. Capt. Berdmore.
c. ditto. Sylhet. F. Skipwith, Esq.
T. dispar, Gliinth. Anamallies.
T. fronticinctus, Giinth. Pegu. (Captured there by me.)
PASSERITA, Gray.
P. MYCTERIZANS, L.
a. adult. Lower Bengal.
h. ditto, bad state ; Calcutta.
has swallowed
a Calotes versicolor.
c. ditto.
Catalogue of Bejjtiles.
61
FA3IILY DIPSADID.E.
DIPSAS, (AucT.)
D.
CYNODON, CllV.
a. adult.
Malacca.
I. ditto.
Mergni.
c. ditto.
Thaiel tmio.
D.
TRIGONATAj Scllll.
a.
h.
Subathoo.
c.
Jessore.
d.
E. Lindstedt, Esq.
W. Theobald, Jr., Esq.
W. T. Blanford, Esq.
Rev. Cave Brown.
Frith, Esq.
D. FoRSTENi, Dum. et Bib.
a. Huge adult. Bengal.
Labelled, " D. trigonata, Lower Bengal'' but no other re-
cord of this scarce species. Beddom has got it on the
Ananiallies.
h. adult (bleached), no record.
D. NIGROMARGINATA, Blytll.
D. huhalina, Klein ?
I am not convinced of the identity of these two species, which Giin-
ther unites. I can see no " apical grooves" to the scales in our
specimen, and the loreal is not higher than long as on D. huhalina,
The coloration of the under parts too is different.
D. MULTBIACULATA, Sclll.
a. adult. Hongkong.
h. two ditto.
Gr. Bowring, Esq.
Many specimens of this snake from Birma, where it is common,
seem to have disappeared from the museum.
D. MULTIFASCIATA, Blyth.
a. young. Subathoo.
Perhaps a young, D. trigonata.
J). HEXAGONOTUs, Blyth.
a. many young. Andamans.
Bev. Cave Brown.
Capt. Hodge and Col.
Tytler»
The type specimen is no longer in the museum, and these young
specimens are unsatisfactory data for specific identification.
62 Catalogue of Reptiles.
J). Boops, Giintli. Bengal, Borneo.
D. dendrophila, Beiiiw. Piuang.
D. bubaliiia, Kleiu.
D. Grokool, Grray. Bengal, Pinang.
D. Ceylonensis, Gilntli. Ceylon.
The island representative of D. trigonata.
FAMILY LYCODONTID^.
LYCODON, BoiE.
L. AULICUS, L.
a. four specimens. Calcutta.
E. Blyth, Esq.
h, tliree ditto young. Andamans.
Capt. Hodge and Col.
Tytler.
c. five ditto. Pegu.
Major Berdmore.
d. adult. Moulmein.
Rev. F. Mason.
e. two.
/. young. South India.
Dr. Jerdon.
g. ditto. Ceylon.
Dr. Kelaart.
h. adult, from the Andamans.
Lt.-Col. Tytler.
i. white barred var.
L. striatus, Shaw. Anamallies.
L. Anamallensis,GLinth. Anamallies.
TETRAGONOSOMA, Guntiier.
T. EFFRENE, Cautor. Pinang.
LEPTOPvHYTAON, Guntiier.
L. JARA, Shaw.
a. many specimens. " India generally."
OPHITES, Wagler.
0. suBCiNCTUs, Boie. Pinang.
No anteocular.
0. albofuscus, Dum. et Bib. Malabar? Sumatra.
One anteocular.
Catalogue of Reptiles. 63
CERCASPIS, Wagler.
C. CARiNATA, Kuhl. Ceylon.
FAMILY AMBLYCEPIIALID.E.
AMBLYCEPHALUS, Kuhl. (sp.)
A. Boa, Kiilil ? Pinang.
PAREAS, Wagler.
P. Berdmorei, Theobald.
Aplopeltura hoa. ScJil. apud Blytli. The adult.
Pareas maculariiis, Blytli. The young.
This is a very singular snake. The young is totally unlike the
adult, and has been described b};^ Blyth, and referred to another genus,
and the adult erroneously referred to Aplopeltura (Ainhlyceplialus.)
The snake, however, is not Amhlijceplialus, as it has divided sub-caudals,
but one loreal, and 15 rows of scales, and as it clearly tends to unite
the two genera ; is a distinct species, which, to prevent confusion of
synonyms, I have given a fresh name to. It approaches Ainhlyce-
plialus in the eye being separated from the upper labials, and in the form
of the head which, however, is only characteristic of the adult.
Adult. Body strongly compressed, scales smooth, in fifteen rows or
faintly keeled on the back. Head high quadrate, blunt, pug-nosed.
Eye large. Pupil vertical. Rostral high, not reaching the surface of
head, deeply excavated below. jSTasal large single, high, with nostril
pierced behind, upper labials 6 or 7, anterior ones high narrow. Eye
surrounded beneath with 5, 6, or 7 small shields, excluding the labials
from orbit. Loreal one, rather small. Frontals subequal, anterior
smallest. Superciliaries large, as large as posterior frontal fully. Vertical
and Occipitals normal, nearly equal in size. Lower Labials 8, very
narrow, 3 pair large transverse gular shields. The 1st forms a suture
with the 4 front labials. Anal entire, Sub-caudals divided.
In the young. {Pareas macular ius, Blyth.) The shields of the head
are rather irregular. The anterior frontals are very small. In one
the vertical is an equilateral rhomboid from the straightening of the
sides. The posterior Frontal enters the orbit in some. The Super-
ciliar}^ is large and enters a notch between the Vertical and Occipitals.
Occipitals extremely large. Seventh upper lal)ial very long. The
labials and additional oculars and peculiar gular shields as in the adult.
Anal entire ; sub-caudals divided.
a. two adults. Tenasserim. Major Berdmore.
Color uniform ochraceous, with obsolete traces of vertical bands
down the body. Two converging dark lines on the nape, and traces of
a white collar in one specimen. Belly white.
Body 195, tail 4.5 = 24.0 inches.
64 Catalogue of Reptiles.
h. three young. Martaban. Major Berdmore.
Body rich reddish brown, with somewhat reticulate bars formed by
some of the scales being parti-colored, white in front, and deejD claret
color behind, giving a half banded, half spotted appearance to the
snake. A conspicuous white collar on the nape, mottled with claret red.
Belly brown, spotted and mottled.
P. MODESTUs, Theobald.
Head rather thick. Anterior frontals small, broader than long.
Posterior frontals large, bent over the side and entering the orbit.
Superciliaries small. Loreal moderate. Anteoculars two, very small.
Postocular one, very small, with a band like sub-ocular, which excludes
the labials from the orbit. Scales smooth, in fifteen rows. The verte-
bral series not enlar;g^ed, but the four vertebral rows faintly keeled.
Anal entire ; sub-caudals bifid. Upper Laljials seven, 4th and 5th high,
under the orbit, but separated by a sub-ocular, 6th low, 7th very long
with two elongate temporals above it. Three pair of large transverse
gular shields. Above, uniform brown, below pale yellowish.
Col. Nuthall.
a. type specimen.
Rangoon.
FAMILY XENOPELTID^.
XENOPELTIS, Reinwardt.
X. UNicoLOR, Rein.
a. three specimens.
Pegu.
h. two ditto.
c. one ditto.
Trichinopoli.
d. two ditto.
Andamans.
Major Berdmore.
India House.
H. F. Blanford, Esq.
Col. Tvtler.
A powerful and ferocious snake ; when alive, its color above is a deep
blue, with metallic iridescence.
FAMILY PYTHONID^.
PYTHON, Daudin.
P. RETICULATUS, Schn.
«. young. Nicobars. Lt.- Col. Ty tier.
h. ditto.
c. ditto. Mcrgui. Major Berdmore.
d. ditto.
e. ditto. Malacca. Rev. W. E. Lindstedt.
/. stuffed specimen.
(J. h. i. three do. pool state.
P. MOLURUH, L.
a. young.
Catalogue <^f Repfiles. 65
h. ditto smaller,
c. (?) stuffed.
BOA, Gray.
B. CONSTRICTOR, L.
a. E. Blyth, Es.^.
h. E. Blyth, Esq.
GONGYLOPHIS, Wagler.
G. coNicus, Sclmeid.
a. four specimens. Upper India.
ERYX, Daudin.
E. JoHNii, Eussell.
a. three specimens. Pind D'ldun Klnhi. W. TheobaM, Jr.
J), young, pale co- Escj^.
lored with dark
bands over the
back.
FAMILY ACROCHORDID.^..
xVCROCHORDUS, Hornstedt.
A. Jatanicus, Ilornst. Pinang, &c.
CHERSYDRUS, Cuvier.
C. GRANULATUs, Sclmeid.
a. adult. Hidgilli. H. L. llanghton, Esq.
FAMILY HOMALOPSID.E.
CERBERUS, Cuvier.
C. RHYNCHOPS, Schneid.
a. adult. Audamans. Lt.-Col. Tytler.
h. two smaller. Ditto. Capt. Hodge and
Col. Tytler.
c. two ditto. Lower Bengal.
d. three ditto. Ditto.
e. large adult. Ditto.
/. smaller. Ditto.
y. ditto. Moulmeiu. Dr. F. Mason.
C6 CittuJogue of Reptiles.
HOMALOPSIS. Sp. KuiiL.
H. BUCCATAj L.
PythonelJa semizonata, BhjUi.
a. type of Pytlionclla. Martaban. Major Berdmore.
Labelled in Mr. Blytli's writing Fytlioivella, not Fytlwnia as printed,
and quoted by Glintlier.
HERPETON, Lacepede.
H. tentaculatum, Lacep.
TYTLERIA, Theobald.
Aspect of Hijpsirliina scales, smooth, in seventeen rows. Nostral
lateral, almost dividing a smallish oblong nasal : frontals two pair : three
upper labials enter the orbit. Loreal elongate : anal and sub-caudals
bifid : eye small ; pupil vertical.
T. HYPsiRHiJJOiDES, Thcobald.
Habit moderate, aspect of the Enhydrinte. Head shield normal. An-
terior frontals slightly pentagonal, half as large as posterior. Nasal
a trifle less than loreal. Ante-ocular one, reaching to the vertical.
Postoculars two, small. Vertical straight in front, sides rapidly con-
verging behind. Superciliaries moderate, broad behind. Occipitals
moderate. Upper labials nine, 3rd, 4th and 6th enter the orbit. Two
pairs of chin shields touching one another. Sixth lower labial largest,
touches the middle of second chin shield.
Color uniform reddish brown above. Belly yellowish white, length
21.00, tail injured 1.00 = 22.00 inches.
a. type specimen. Andamans. Lt.-Col. Tytler.
HYPSIRHINA, Wagler.
H. Eis'HYDRTS, Schueid. .
a. Adult and young.
h. Young. Calcutta. Mr. C. Swaries.
A variable species as to form and coloration, and consequently much
burdened with synon5^ms, being indebted to Dr. Gray for three of them,
hilineata, trilincata andfurcata, according to Glintlier. It is a common
species, with scales in twenty rows.
H. PLUMBEA, Boie.
a. many specimens.
Nearly related to the last, but with a stouter head, and scales in only
nineteen rows.
H. ciTiXENsis, Gray.
a. small specimen.
Catalogue of Beptiles. €7
FARANCIA, GiiAY.
F. FAsciATA, Sliaw.
a. fine adult. Nortli Carolina. Rev. F. Fitzgerald.
ABASTOR, Gray.
A. ERYTHROGRAMMUS, Wagiei".
Homalopsis parsicipSj Blytli.
a. fine adult. North Carolina. Rev. F. Fitzgerald.
FORDONIA, Gray.
F. UNiooLOR. Gray. Pinang.
CANTORIA, GiRARD.
C. ELONGATA, Girard-
FERANIA, Gray.
F. SiEBOLDii, Sold.
a. adult. Pegu. Major Berdniore.
HIPISTES, Gray.
H. HYDRiNUS, Cantor.
a. Rangoon. Dr. Fayrer,
GERARDA, Gray.
G. BicoLOR, Gray, Bassein riuer.
SECOND SUB-OUDER, SERPENTES
COLUBRINI VENENATI.
FAMILY HYDROPHID.E.
ENHYDRINA, Gray.
B. bengalensis, Gray.
Valakadyen, Gray.
Hydras schistosus, Cantor.
a. adult, foetal young. Snndlicads.
h. adult, blaek spotted. Ilidgclli. 11. L. Ilaugliton, Esq
c. 1 adult, 1 young, 2 fceti.
68 Catalogue of liej) files.
HYDROPHIS, DaudiN; (sp.)
H. Gracilis, Sliaw.
a. adult. Saiidlieads. W. Earl, Esq.
h. younger. Sandheads.
c. very young.
This siDecimen (b.) has 73 dark bands. On the neck these bands are
confluent and constitute the general color; the pale yellow lines being
broken up into oval spots on the sides. On the back the bands are
rhombiCj on a yellow ground. On the tail they are broad, with narrow
upright bars of the yellow ground color between them.
H. Jerdonii, Gray.
Hydrus Cantorii^ Jerdon^ Mus. lahel.
Hydrus nigrocinctus^ Cantor.
a. fine specimen. Mergui. W. Theobald, Esq., Jr.
H. NiGRociNCTA, Daud.
a. young.
The black bands are more symmetrical than on the type, isolating
the jjale ground color into ellipsoid bands, which are wider than in the
type, covering eight scales in the middle or broadest part. On one
side of our specimen, there are two, on the othpr only one postocular.
H. CURTA. Shaw.
a. small specimeij.
This does not quite agree with the description, as there are four
cross bands, but the decided yellow temporal streak is a suilicicnt
character to recognize the species by.
Ji. CYANOCINCTA, Daud.
Hydrus striatus, Cantor.
a. adult. China. C. J. Bo wring, Esq.
h. young. Hidgilli, H. L. Ilaughton, Esq.
c. very young.
a. has the tail very round and thick, as Giinthcr says is the case with
old males.
The small specimen c, is remarkable for the narrowness of the bands
which are narrower than the pale interspaces, It exhibits also the trans-
verse frontal streak which becomes obsolete with age.
II. ROBUSTA, Fischer,
a. fine adult, Hidgilli. IT. L. Ilaughton, Esq.
I think this must be a variety of H. rohusfa, thou^^h the scales
are small, and X can find no central tubercle, fcjcales on neck in 27 rows.
Catalogue of Bejjiiles. 69
Eye very small, over 3rd and 4tli labials. Siiperciliarles very large.
Six upper labials, 1st small, the rest large, subcqual, regular.
Color greenish-olive above, yellow, below with narrow distant black
cross bars, formed on the belly of only single black scales ; chin shields
two pairs, approximate : 4th and 5th lower labials large.
H. coRONATA, Gimther.
H. ohscicraj Dumeril^ Mus. label.
a. adult. Hidgilli. H. L. Ilaughton, Esq.
This specimen was labelled H. ohscura, but accords minutely with
Gunther's description of if. coronata.
H. sTRiCTicoLLis, Giiutlier.
H. obscura, Daud. 3Ius. label.
a.adult. Hidgilli. H. L. Ilaughton, Esq.
A variety probably of this s^Decies, though not quite corresponding
with Giinther's description.
Scales on neck in 35 rows ; on body in 45, with an indistinct central
tubercular keel : one anteocular, one postocular : 3rd upper labial does not
touch nasal ; 3rd and 4th enter the orbit ; one large anterior temporal,
two small posterior ones, alongside of the occipital. Ventrals entire,
broader than adjoining scales, very obscurely three-keeled^ No enlarged
prii3anals. Above blackish olive, below yellowish, faintly 'dark banded ;
markings blended and obscure.
H. CHLORis, Daud.
H. gracilis^ Shaw apud Blytli.
H. Lindsayi, Gray (?)
a, Akyab. — Dunn, Esq.
&. Sandheads.
These specimens accord very well with H. cJdoris as described by
Gihither, save that the rostral is quite as high as broad. In this
single character, they resemble H. Lindsay!, Gray, which must, therefore
be held to be very doubtfully distinct from the present species, the
only other differences seeming to be insufficient for specific separation,
such as coloration and the number of ventral shields, which |)e?' se, when
weighed against the strict agreement of all the other characters, are
conijjaratively unimportant.
H. GiJNTUERi, Theobald.
Scales on neck in 43 rows, on middle of body in 51, strongly keeled,
subequal. Ventrals undivided, bi-tubcrcular : one ante-ocular, one
postocular. Upper labials six; 2nd very large, 3rd and 4th enter the orbit;
(5th low, wedged between two temporals. A large upper temporal in
70 Catalogue of BeptiJes.
contact with the postocular, the occi]iital, two lower temporals and
three small temporal scales behind. Shields of head as a Ilijdroplils,
pustular. Each labial smooth in front, pustular behind. A small pair of
rounded chin shields separated by a groove.
Color yellow, with dark lozenge bars on the back, becoming obsolete
on the sides. Belly uniformly yellow. Tail dark, with yellow stripes.
The specimen was jumbled among a lot of Enhyclrlnce, probably
from the Sandheads.
Its nearest all}- is H. Stohesil, but it seems a new species, and I have,
therefore, separated it under the name of the distinguished Herpetolo-
gist to whom Indiaii a^aturalists are so deeply indebted for his labors,
more especially in this confused Family.
H. TRACHYCEPs, Theobald.
Head conical, pointed or subtriangular, hardly longer than broad.
Body moderate, throat not slender. One ante-ocular, one postocular :
occipitals not broken up, entire. Six upper labials, the two last having
two small plates below them; 1st upper labial very small; 2nd very large ;
3rd enters the orbit with its posterior angle ; 4th under the orbit with a
lower supernumerar}^ plate wedged in behind it, and above it and the
6th; 5th touches postocular; 6th just touches postocular, and joins the
temporal. Two pairs of chin-j^lates approximate, irregularly rhomboidal.
Five lower labials, with a row above of marginal scales. Yentrals small
but distinct, smooth. Scales smooth on neck, in 32 rows. Color greenish
yellow. Back barred with 63 dark lozenges combined in faint bars
across the belly, on the anterior two-thirds of the body. Length
35 inches.
a. Female and foetus. Mergui. W. Theobald, Jr.
This specimen was lal^elled TI. nigrocincta, Daud. with which it has
no affinity. Its thick neck, remarkably conic head and ventral plates
distinguish it from any snake described by Giinther.
'"' Day of BengaV is the only note attached to it, but I think I recog-
nize it a,s one of many (and almost the only one remaining) presented
by me from Mergui, where great numbers are daily captured in the
fishing; stakes.
^&
H. viPERiNA, Schmidt.
a. young. Rangoon. Col. Nuthall.
This specimen is in a bad shrivelled state, and is but doubtfully
referred to this species. The broad nasals posteriorly, broad anterior
ventral and coloration seem to agree with the type.
PELAMIS, Daudin (sp.)
P. BiooLOR, Schneid.
a. fine adult. Nicobars. M. Bii^ch.
(var y mnuila.)
Cv-
dalogue of Beptiles.
PLATURUS, Latreille.
P. scuTATUs, Laur.
a. adult.
Ramri.
Capt.
Abl>ott
h. young.
Pinang.
Oapt.
Lewis.
P. FiscnERi, Jan.
Bay of Bengal.
FAMILY ELAPID^.
71
HAMADBYAS, Cantor.
H. elaps, Sclil.
H. vittatus, Elliott.
H. ophiopliagus, Cantor.
a. fine adult, J. A.S. XXYIII."411. Port Blair Lt-Cl-
Tytler.
h. young. Andamans. Capt, Eales.
c. head of adult
(same bottle as 5).
NAJA, Laurenti.
N. tripudians, Merr.
N. lutescens, Laur.
N. atrUj Cantor.
N. Jcaouthia, Less.
N. sputatrix, Rein.
N. larvafa, Cantor.
a. adult no spec- Probably from Pegu.
tacles.
h. adult. Probably from Pegu.
Head pale. Body above broTrn and black mottled. Belly black.
Throat yellow (?) then a scale of 6 black scuta, followed by a band of
5 yellow ones. Two black gnlar spots just in front of head. No spec-
tacles, but an oval black spot in the centre of a pale oval area. Fore
part of body dark and pale banded. This fine specimen has sutfercd by
being mercilessly rammed into too small a bottle.
c. adult (bleached.)
Neck finely displayed with large spectacles.
(7. half grown from Pegu, I believe, from its oval mark.
i*^ Catalogue of Rejjtiles.
f- li'^^t\ Bengal probably. Spectacles Jisitinct,
/» ditto two specimens, ditto.
(1. ditto.
Ji. ditto 3 specimens, from Pegu probably.
A large central and two small lateral dark spots in a pale
oval area.
i. ditto two specimens (bleacbed), from Pegu probably.
No spectacles, oval mark only with dark ceutre.
j. ditto swallowing a Biifo melanostidus.
h. ditto, 3 specimens from Pegu probably.
^- ditto Mergui. Major Berdmore,
w. ditto ditto. W. Theobald, Esq., Jr
01. young. . Bengal (?)
Spectacles displayed.
o. ditto ditto.
jy. ditto, 4 specimens, all from Pegu probably.
q. ditto two-headed monster. Nawab of Dacca.
r. head of cobra distended ; no spectacles or other mark.
Most of the specimens in the collection belong to the variety which
occurs on the east side of the Bay, without spectacles, but with merely
a pale black central oval mark on the neck. The ordinary spectacled
variety- I have never ousted in Pegu or Tenasserim.
The commonest color of the cobra is a uniform brown, rather dark,
but I have seen many living ones in Bengal, ahnost pale yellow or
yellowish stone color. From this pale tint, the color passes through the
four varieties to uniform black. The pale varieties are called in Bengal
" Gorhmoii," and the black is known by the name of " Kaonthia," with
the epithet black often affixed. It is the largest and most dreaded
variety, but I don't think its color is the result of age, as I have seen
fully adult cobras of a pale yellowish color, though rarely. The Pegu
variety is dark, with the oval mark very constant, and never exhibits
any approach to the spectacles.
Dr. Giinther remarks " Singularly, it has never been observed by
Mr. Hodgson in the valley of Nepal." This is very easily accounted
for, since few could venture to kill a cobra, even for scientific ends, in
the rigorously Hindu Kote of Xepal. In British India, decent Hindoos
will not kill a cobra ; and if one has taken wp his abode in a house, he
is either permitted to remain, or else carefully inveigled into an earthen
pot, which is then closed and carried ojS* for miles, before it is opened
and the sacred reptile within respectfully allowed to regain his liberty.
I have myself witnessed this deferential deportation of the cobra in
Bengal ; but of course none but the orthodox Hindoo is so careful to
abstain from injuring the animal, and their reverential feeling is now
perhaps rather the exception than the rule, though probabl}' as strong
as ever in Nepal.
Cutalogue of Beptiles. 73
BUNGAEUS, Daudin.
B. c.i:ruleus, Sclmeid.
a. adult. Calcutta. Prince Jellalooddeen.
h. ditto. ■ Pegu.
c. ditto. Darjeeling. Capt. Sherwill.
(^. smaller. Lt. R. C. Beavaii.
e. ditto (finely marked). Rangoon. Col. Nuthall.
/. two young (discolored).
g. three specimens.
h, young. Cape of Good Col. Tytler.
Hope ! !
This habitat must, I think, be erroneously given.
B. FASciATUs, Schneid.
a. adult.
h. ditto smaller.
c. ditto ditto.
d. ditto.
e. small specimen swallowing another snake. (Trojndonotits).
Not a single donor or locality is assigned to any of these specimens
of B. fasciatus, whilst, oddly enough, nearly every specimen of B. ccbtu-
leus is carefully labelled.
B. Ceylonicus, Giinth. Ceylon.
XENURELAPS, Gunther.
X. BUNGAROiDES, Cantor. Cherrapunji.
MEG^EROPHIS, Gray.
M. FLAViCEPS, Reinh.
a. adult injured. Mergui. W. Theobald, Esq., Jr.
ELAPS, Schneider.
E. MacLellandii, Rein.
E. ][jersonatuSj Blyth,
a. adult. Assam? W. Robinson, Esq.
&. 3 younger. Pegu (?) Major BerJ more.
I cannot distinguish the Pegu and Assam specimens, as all are
rammed into one bottle.
74 Catalogue of lieptiles,
E. MELANURUs, Cantor.
jE. macuJicepSj Gibdh.
it. 3 specimens. Kangoon. Dr. Fayrer.
Moiilmein. E. Blylh, Esq.
I. young (bleached.) Amherst. E. 0. lleiey, Esq.
E. iNTESTiNALis, Laiir.
a. adult with young
(bleached). Singapore. Biigadr. Frith.
E. HTGIiEj Schl.
a. South Africa. Dr. Withecombe.
THIED SUB-OPtDEE, SEEPENTES YIPEEINI.
FAMILY CFiOTALID^E.
TEIMEFtESURUS, Lacepede (sp,).
T. CARiNATUs, Grray.
T. poijjIiyraceuSj Blytli,
T. hicoloT^ Gray.
T. purimreiis^ Gray,
T. jno'jmreo-macakUus^ Gray.
T. puniceuSj Gray.
T. Gantori^ Blyth.
a. adult. Lower Bengal.
Ordinary type one azygos shield between the suprauasals. Green
with pale side stripe ; 23 rows of scale.
1). adult. Andamans.
Fine and large. Scales of head not very strongly keeled. One azygos
Bhield between the supranasals ; scales in 2o rows ; color brownish green,
no side stripe or mottling.
c. smaller. Andamans. Lt.-Col. Tytler.
Like the last, but the brown color predominating, bell}" greenish
white browUj blotched. (In bad state.)
d. adult like h. in bad state. Fang, 0.70 long.
e. two specimens. Lower Bengal.
The larger has 25 rows of scales.
Catalogue of Bv^dil^S' 75
/. 2 specimens like c.
only smaller. Andamans. Lt.-Col. Tytler.
</. small, adult. Nicobars.
This is the type of T. Cantori, Blyth.
It is in a very bad state but would seem to be like h. in coloration :
throat is scarcely mottled greenish brown ; belly unmottled. Scales
in -27 rows.
It is no doubt also the T. pu7iiceus, purpureus and purpureo-macU'
latus (!) of Dr. Gray.
All the above species and varieties seem connected by certain per-
sistent characters. Supranasals separated by an az3-gos shield. Second
upper labial margining the prreorbital pit in front. Scales well keeled
in 23 to 27 rows. Coloration in the genus is not of much value, as it is
a variable character, especially after long immersion in spirits, yet it
seems to have been much relied on, to judge by the epithets fastened
on to the species by very eminent ISTaturalists.
T. GRAMiXEUs, Shaw.
a. many specimens, Sylhet, Birma, Malacca.
On the authority of these assigned localities, I retain this as a dis-
tinct species, otherwise, were it confined to Bengal, I should hardly
venture to do so. The second labial touches the pra3orbital pit in front,
one azygos shield (sometimes divided) separates the supranasals. Scales
of the body not strongly keeled, in from 19 to 21 rows.^ Form slender
and tail longish, compared with T. carinafits, and scales much less keeled.
Were the species more local, the feeble carination of the scales and
slender form would only, I think, weigh sufficiently to constitute a
race, but as the distribution seems almost co-extensive with the stouter
T. earinatus, the above characters have greater weight and constitute a
specific distinction. I myself have never remarked it in Pegu, where
T. cariuatics would seem to replace it to a great extent.
T. TRiGONocEPHALUs, Mcrr.
a. fine adult. Colombo. Dr. Kelaart.
T. ERYTURURL'S, CautOl". (?)
Supranasals contiguous. Second upper labial forms front margin
of pra3orbital pit. Scales keeled, in twenty-three rows. Supranasals
contiguous.
a. small adult. No record.
This seems to be uniform brownish green without markings. It
diff'ers from the type in having 23 and not 21 rows of scales. It is
very possibly a variety of T. cariuatus with the azygos shield on the
snout suppressed. Perhaps T. aimmallensis, Giinth.
T. Andersoni, Theobald.
Second upper labial forms the anterior margin of prasorbital pit :
supranasals separated liy an azygos shield. Scales keeled, in 25 rows.
Color above and below uniform rich brown. Belly and sides con-
spicuously white spotted.
76 Catalogue of Reptiles.
a. Tjq^e. No record.
I have designated this beautiful species after Dr. Anderson, our pre-
sent hard working and zealous officiating Curator.
T. MONTicoLA, Giinth.
Farias maculata, Gray.
P arias 7ieligrensis, Jerdon apucl Blytli.
a. adult and young. Darjeeling. W. T. Blanford, Esc[.
Second upper labial forms part of pr^eorbital pit. A very minute
az5'gos scale between the supranasals. Scales faintly keeled in 23 rows.
Superciliaries very large. Pale brown with a vertebral row of large,
square, dark brown blotches. Along the sides a row of small, dark
spots. Belly dark, mottled. A pale temple streak.
a. young, (var ?) Back barred, alternate dark aud light brown:
scales in 25 rows. No record.
T. STRiGOLus, Gray.
T. Neelgherriensis^ Jerdon J. A. S. XXII. 624.
Farias macidata, Gray apud Blytli^ Mus. label.
a. young. Nilghirris. W. Theobald, Esq., Jr.
The shield before the preeorbital pit is divided from the second upper
labial. Two scale-like supranasals in contact. On each side a smaller
scale, and behind two large scales, separated by an azygos scale, the
same size as a sujDernasal. Scales well keeled in 21 rows.
Color brown with a line of darker vertebral spots, with smaller ones
below. Many scuta dark tipped.
This is a common species about Ootakamund.
T. Wagleri, Schl.
Tr. maculatuSj Gray.
Tr.formosiis, Gray, not Midi, and ScM.
Trig Sumatranus, Cantor.
Tr. siihanmdattis, Gray.
TropidolcsriiuSj ScJdegeli, Bleeher.
a. fine adult. Singapore. Brigadr. Fiitli.
Scale before prfeorbital pit separated from second upper labial. Scales
strongly keeled in 23 to 25 rows. Scales of head very strongly keeled,
very imbricate. Supranasals contiguous, ridged, over-imi)ending.
Coloration and pattern handsome, vivid, variable, black, yellow and
green banded and spotted.
T. OBSCURUS, Theobald.
a. young. No record.
Shield in front of the pracorbital pit separated from the second upper
labial. An azygos shield separates the supernasals. Scales keeled in
Catalogue of Reptiles. 77
25 rows. Back tiniform brown, sides greeu, spotted and mottled.
Belly greenish white, brown barred and spotted ; superciliaries well
defined,
T. Anamallensis, Glinth. Anamallies.
T. MUCROSQUAMATUS, Cantor. Assam.
PELTOPELOR, Guntiier.
P. MACROLEPis, Beddome. Anamallies.
CALLOSELASMA, Cope.
C. RHODOSTOMA, Beinw. Siam.
HALYS, Gray.
H. Himalayanus, Glinth. Garhwal.
H. Elliotti, Jerdon. Nilghirris.
HYPNALE, FiTziNGER.
H. NEPA. Laiir. Ceylon. Anamallies.
CENCHBIS, Daudin.
C. CONTORTRIX, L.
a. fine specimen. North Carolina. Bev. F. F. Fitz2;'evald,
This specimen is labelled " contortrix,''' bnt the scales of the head are
keeled. It is pale brown with large squarish, dark brown blotches
down each side, but not united along the vertebral line. Perhaps
C. piscivorus.
h. fine adult. Do. (?) Do. (?)
This specimen, which is a large one, has the scales of the head keeled
but not strongly, and those behind the eye large and smooth.
c. young.
h. and c. are both probably the variety named C. atwfuscus, Troost.
FAMILY YIPEBID^.
DABOIA, Gray.
D. BussELLii, Shaw.
a. adult.
h. do.
c. do. (bleached).
d. do. (fine). Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
78 Gakdogue of Rejiptiles»
e. half j2T0wn.
/. do.
g. do.
h. young.
i. adult and young.
ECHIS, Merrem. (sp.)
E. CARINATA, Sclmeid.
a. large adult and two young. Salt Range. TV. Theobald
Junior, Esq,
h. young. Upper India. India House.
YIPERA.
V. AMMODYTEs, Latr.
a. adult and young. Europe. Hungarian Museum.
"Nose armed with a horn covered with scales.
PELIAS.
P. VERUS.
a. fine adult.
h. smaller. • Chesshire. E. Blyth, Esq.
c. several specimens. England. Messrs. Hancock and
Strickland.
d. adult. Norway.
c. three specimens. Europe. Hungarian Museum.
SECOND SUB-CLASS : BATE ACHIA.
ORDER BATRACHIA SALIENTIA.
A. AGLOSSA. I. Haplosiphona.
II. Diplosiphona.
(No Indian members.)
B. Opisthoglossa. I. Oxydactyla.
FAMILY RANID.E.
OXYGLOSSUS, TsciiuDi.
0. Lima, Tsch. 33cngal. Siam.
Catalogue of Beptiles,
79
RANA, AucTORUM.
R. TTGRiNA= Dand.
R. hrama^ Less.
E. vittigera^ Weigm.
JR. rugulosa, Weigm.
a. adult male.
h. adult female and young.
c. adult stuffed.
d. young (?).
R. CRASSA, Jerdon.
a. adult and young.
b. ditto.
South India.
Calcutta.
Ceylon.
Ceylon.
Ceylon.
South India.
Dr. Jerdon.
Dr. Kelaart.
Dr. Kelaart.
Dr. Kelaart.
Dr. Jerdon.
This species is closely affined to B. tigrina. It differs, however, in
having a more obtuse snout and a conspicuously broader occijout. The
supratyrapanitic ridge curves down much more sharj)ly over the
tympanum behind, than the same ridge in B. tigrina. The museum
specimens are in a poor state, and those of the last species especially
have been rammed so ruthlessly into their bottles that no force can
dislodge them for close comparison.
R. FuscA, Blyth.
a, fine adult.
h. adult.
c. several specimens.
d. tadpoles.
Pegu.
Pegu.
Major Berdmore.
Major Berdmore.
Tenasserim W. Theobald, Esq., Jnr.
Pegu. Major Berdmore.
This species attains to nearly the size of B. tigrina, but the colour
is very uniform ; where there are markings they are blurred and in-
distinct, quite different from the distinct maculation of i^. tigrina. Rusty
brown is the prevailing hue, with or without a pale median stripe.
R. BENGALENSis, Gray (Blyth.)
India generally.
Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
Pegu. Major Berdmore.
Body covered with numerous small scattered warts, given to
anastomose with one another. Toes webbed. Fingers free, long, snbequal.
Above greyish brown, mottled darker. Beneath white, tliroat reticu-
lately marked. No canthus rostralis ; nostril with a posterior papillary
tubercle.
a. many specimens.
b. ditto.
c. one ditto.
R. ESCULENTA, L.
a.
b. lar^e adult.
France.
Europe.
J. Malherbe, Esq.
Hungarian Museum.
80 Catalogue of Reptiles *
R. TEMPORARTA, L. England, Ilancockj Esq.
R. cuTiPORA, Dura, et Bib (Blyth.)
R. hexadadyla^ Less.
a. adult. South India. Dr. Jerdon.
h. ditto and young. Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
R. viTTiGERA, Weigm.
R. assimilis^ Blyth. Kelaart Prod. Faun. Zeyl.
R. agricola, Jerdon. J. A. S. XXII. 532
R. altilahris, Blyth. Ditto. XXTV. 220
a. many specimens. India. Birma.
h. ditto. Pegu. Major Berdmore.
c. young. Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
d. tadpoles.
R. KUHLii, Sclil. Ceylon.
R. cyanophlyctis^ Sclmeid. Ceylon.
R. Liehigi^ Griinth. Sikim.
R. gracilis^ Weigm. Himalayas, Madras.
R. 3Iahdmrica, Jerdon, J. A. Malabar. S. XXII.
R. flavescens, Jerdon, Forests of the Peninsula.
R. curtipes, Jerdon, J. A. S. XXII. Forests of the Peninsula.
R. Nilagirica, Jerdon. J. A. S. XXII. Wynaad and Nilghiiies.
There are no reptiles iu India in such a confused state as the
Ranidce, and I can add but little towards disentangling the shadowy
species, real enough perhaps, but not as yet characterised. The series
in the Museum is a very poor one, and the JRanidce from all parts of
India must be assiduously collected, before sound results can be
obtained. Let us hope that an urgent appeal for frogs from all
quarters of India will be liberally responded to by local naturalists
and collectors, without which aid the sul)ject must long remain in its
present unsatisfactory state. Each contributor should not send
merely the most conspicuous frogs from his neighbourhood, but all
the species and varieties he can procure.
R. PiPiENS, Harl.
a. tadpoles (?) North Carolina. Rev. F. Fitzgerald.
IIOPLOBACTRACHUS, Peters.
H. CEYLANicus, Peters. Ceylon.
PYXICEPHALTIS, Tsciiudi, (sp).
P. BREviCEPs, Schneid.
Sphcerothcca sirigata, Giinth. Bat. Sal. 20.
Catalogue of Reptiles. 81
Tomopterna strigata, Giinth. Bat. Sal. 20. PL 2, fig. A.
Tomnopterna Delalandii, Tsch. Giinth. Bat. Sal. 129,
P. fodiens, tferdon^ teste Giintlier sed ?
P. pluvialisj Jerdon^ Cat. Tnd. Hep. 411.
This species has undergone many Ticissitudes at the hands of Dr.
Giiuther, being at one time located in India then referred to the Cape, and
finally recalled to its proper quarters in the East. On what grounds
Dr. Gimther so hastily ignored the testimony of Dr. Jerdon as to the
Indian origin of the species, it is hard to say ; the more so, as Dr. Jerdon
had furnished many specimens from the Madras Presidency, where he
was not only resident, but .engaged in scientific pursuits, and his
testimony therefore might, it would be supposed, have been allowed
great weight in such a question. Dr. Giiuther tells us, (it is true) " that
he found this species in the collection of Sir A. Smith," and adds, " it
was evident that the specimens presented by Mr, Jerdon to the British
Museum were not procured in the East Indies as indicated by that
gentleman !" In other words, Dr. Jerdon, as an Indian naturalist, had
no claims to be beUeved on a matter-of-fact coming within his personal,
cognisance. When, however, preparing his Catalogue of Indian Reptiles,
Dr. Giiuther seems to have discovered from the Brothers Schlagiu-
tweit that the Indian naturalist who collected the sijecimens was oddly
enough right as to where they came from, and that the English savant,
who merely received them and decided ex-cathedra, was wrong. The
si3ecimens are therefore re-transferred not only to the habitat, but
also to the genus in which the Indian naturalist has placed them ! !
I may after this perhaps be allowed to be a little sceptical as to Dr.
Giinther's identification of P. /ocZi'eji.s and P. jjh(y/a?t's of Dr. Jerdon.
The Museum collection, unfortunately, is of little use. There is no
specimen of P. fodiens, Jerdon, which agrees as far as can be judged
with that gentleman's descriptions, " greenish marked with brown,"
but it no more resembles Dr. Glinther's figure (Joe. cit.J of SphcBrotlieca
strujiAia, than it resembles anj^ other figure in the book. I have, how-
ever, from Pegu, specimens closely resembling the figure, and I doubt
not the true P. pluvialis of Dr. Jerdon. P. fodiens occurs too, I think,
in Pegu, but never associated with the other, and much more rarely.
It is, I believe with Dr. Jerdon, a totally distinct species, having a
merely generic resemblance to the other, and both species I have
procured alive.
a. adult (bad state). Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
P. FODIENS, Jerdon.
Above mottled brown, with a pale median stripe from occiput to
vent. Below white.
P. RUFESCEXS, Jerdon. Malabar Coast.
P. Frithi, Theobald.
a. adult. Jessore. — Frith, Esq.
Form much as in P. fodiens, tumid ; skin quite smooth. Metatarsal
spur distinct. Uniform vinous, red and brown above ; wE*ite beneath.
This specimen has been long preserved in spirit, but seems au unde»
scribed species.
82 Catalogue of Reptiles.
P. BREVICEPS.
P. Uvidus, Blyth.
a. no record. Old collection.
FAMILY DISCOGLOSSID^.
MEaALOPHRYS, Kuhl.
M. MONTANA, Knlil. Ceylon.
M. GiGAS, Blytli. Sikim. Captain W. S. Slierwill, J. A. S.
XXIII. p. 299.
I cannot find the type of Mr. Blyth's description in the Museum.
M. GUTTULATA, Blytli. Pcgu. Major Berdmore. J. A. S. XXIV.
p. 717.
The type specimens are no longer discoverable in the Museum.
The types of the two Batrachians affined to Megaloplirys from Sikim,
teste Blyth, J. A. S. XXIII. p. 300, are also uudiscoverable in the
Museum collections. It is tolerably clear that none of them belong to
the genus, but what they are cannot now be ascertained.
XENOPHRYS, GuNTHER.
X. MOKTicoLA, Giinth. Sikim.
Khasi Hills.
CACOPUS, GuNTHER.
C. SYSTOMA, Schneid. Carnatic.
C. glohulosuSj Giinth. Basselconda.
SECTION BUEONINA.
FAMILY BHINOBERMATID^.
DIPLOPELMA, GUnther.
D. ORNATUM, Bum. et Bib.
a. four specimens Goalpara. Dr. Thornburn.
These specimens were labelled Etigy stoma Malaharicmn, but though
bleached seem to agree with Giinther's description of B. ornatum.
b, five adult Engystoma ruhrmn. Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
Catalogue of Reptiles. 83
D. PULCHRUM, Griinth.
Engystoma.
a. four bleached specimens. Aralvan. Col. Pliayre.
Engystoma.
a. six specimens. Beerblioom. W. Theobald,
[Junior, Esq.
Engystoma Berdmorei^ Blyth.
• The type specimens are no longer in the Museum.
a. adult. Pegu. W. Theobald,
[Junior, Esq.
FAMILY BUFONID.E.
BUFO, AUCTORUM.
B. MELANOSTICTUS, Schneid.
a. adult stuffed.
h. ditto in spirit.
c. ditto. Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
d. two adults and three young. Mergui. Major Berdmore.
B. Kelaarti, Griinth. . Ceylon.
B. ASPER, Schl. Mergui.
SCUTIGER, Theobald.
Aspect of Bufo. Maxillary and palatine teeth none ; tympanum hid-
den ; parotoids prominent. Fingers and toes free. In the male four
callous plates across the sternum, and callous upper surfaces to the two
inner fingers, and a trace of the same on the inner front edge of the
third. Tongue parted behind, Eustachian tubes obsolete.
S. SiKKiMMENsis, Blyth.
Bomhinatoi^ Sikkimmensisj Blyth, J. A. S. XXIII. 300.
Back of male warty, with rows of large glandular tubercles with an
apical pore interspersed. Limbs above covered with smaller glandular
tubercles ; parotoids ridge-like, running from the upper margin of
orbit, and shelving down a little ; snout blunt. Nostril lateral below
a most indistinct canthus rostralis. Skin beneath smooth with four
embedded callous plates like the plates of Emyda when dried. Plates
roughened by numerous dark brown miliary tubercles with a per-
ceptible linear and anastomising arrangement.
The female is smoother, less warty, and wants the sternal callosities
so marked in the male.
a. male and female. Sikkim. Capt. Sherwill,
84 Catalogue of BejyWes.
SECTION HYLINA.
FAMILY POLYPEDATID^E.
HYLOEANA, Tsciiudi.
H. MACRODACTYLA, Griinth.
a. two specimens.
No record, but probably from Pegu.
These specimens have no median stripe, but I doubt not they are
merely a variety of this species, as the coloration of Hylorana is very
variable.
H. ERYTHR^A, Schl.
Limnoclytes nigrovitfatus, Bhjth.
Limnoclytes macularius^ Blyth.
a. large female. Mergui. Major Berdmore.
h. three specimens. Mergui. W. Theobald, Esq., Jnr.
These specimens are all named nigrovittatus. The type of onacularius
is no longer in the Museum, but my own collection convinces me that
both the size and colour of this species is very variable.
H. Tytleri, Theobald.
In size equal to H. erytlirfsa, but with much more pointed snout,
though not so narrow a muzzle as H. macrodadyla. Upper lip and
beneath white. Back reddish brown. No pale lateral stripes.
a. type. Dacca. Lt.-Col. Tytler.
It is possible this may be a large adult H. macrodadyla, but the head
is proportionably much broader across the occiput. More specimens
are required to decide the point.
H. MALABARiCA, Dum. ct Bib. Malabar.
H. TE3IP0RALIS, Gtlntli. Ccylon.
POLYPEDATES, Dumeril et Bibron.
P. LEUCOMYSTAx, Gravcnh.
P. quadrilineatus, Wiegm.
a. many specimens. Calcutta.
h. adult. Jessore. — Frith, Esq.
c, three adults. Silhet. Skipwith, Esq.
Catalogue of Bejjtiles, 85
d. two ditto. Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
e. many specimens. Mergui. Captain Berdmore and
W. Theobald, Esq., Jr.
/. adult. Chaibassa. Captain Haugliton.
P. CRUCIGER, Blyth.
P. Jeucomystax, Grravenli. in part apud Giintlier.
a. four adults. Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
This is I think a very distinct species from the last, which also ac-
companies it in Ceylon, though Giinther unites them. Putting aside
the peculiar pattern of the back, the head is conspicuously broader and
blunter in this species than in P. leucomystax.
P. LiviDUS, Blyth.
a. many specimens. Tenasserim. W. Theobald, Esq., Jr.
P. MARMORATUS.
a. adults young and
tadpoles. Pegu. Major Berdmore.
A well marked species with completely webbed toes ; very rugous
pustular back; sternum smooth, belly pustular — Disks large.
P. MICROTTMPANUM, GilUth. CcyloU.
P. PLEUROSTiCTUS, Grllnth. Madras Presidency.
P. VARIABILIS, Jerdon. Nilgherries.
The two are probably the same species.
P. RETicuLATUS, Grlhith. Ccylou.
P. EQUES, Griiiith. Ceylon.
P. AFGHANA, Gliuth. Afghanistan.
The habitat is remarkably doubtful.
P. sMARAGDiNUs, Kelaart. Ceylon.
" Eye bones armed with spines. Limbs studded with tubercular
sharp pointed spines."
A very peculiar species and probably a distinct generic form.
IX ALUS, DUMERIL ET BiBRON.
I. VARIABILIS, Giinth. Ceylon.
L te:siporalis, Giinth. Ceylon.
I. FEMORALis, Giinth. Ceylon.
I. LEUCoRHiNus, Martcus. Ceylon.
I. GLAND ULosA, Jcrdou. South Lidia.
No specimens of this Indian genus are in the museum.
86 Catalogue of Eeptiles,
RHACOPHORUS, Kuhl.
R. MAxiMus, Gtinth.
B. Reinwardtii, Diiiii. et Bib.
a. adult and young. Naga hills. — Owen, Esq.
The locality " AfgJianistan" recorded by Giinther is very doubtful. The
young differs much from the adult. In sjDirit the adult is grey, the
young deep blue, and the arms and sides of hind limbs are fringed with
a fold of skin which disappears in the adult. In the young too the
tympanum is very indistinct.
FAMILY RYLIDJE.
HYLA, DUMERIL ET BiBEON.
H. CAROLii^ENsis, Penu.
a. North Carolina. Rev. F. Fitzgerald.
H. ? North Carolina. Rev. F. Fitzgerald.
FAMILY HYL.EDACTYLID^.
HYL.EBACTYLUS, Tschudi.
H. BiviTTATUs, Cantor, J. A. S. XVI. 1064.
Callida jpidchra^ Gray (sp.)
*
a. adult. Pegu. ' W. Theobald, Esq., Jr.
OEDEE BATEACHIA GEADIENTIA.
FAMILY SALAMANDRID^.
SALAMANDRA, Laurenti.
S. MACULOSA, Laur.
a. adult. France. — Malherbe, Esq.
TRITON, Tschudi.
T. VERRUCOSUS, (!) sic.
a. many specimens. England. H. Strickland, Esq.
NOTOPHTHALMUS, Gray.
N. viRiDESCENS, Baird.
Triton millepunctata^ Dehay.
a. ■ North Carolina. Rev. F. Fitzgerald.
Catalogue of Reptiles. 87
LOPHINUS, Rafinesque.
L. PUNCTATUS, MeiT.
Lissotriton, Bell, (sp.)
a. many specimens. England. A. Hancock, Esq.
h. two ditto. Europe. Hungarian Museum.
FAMILY PLETHODONTID^.
DESMOGNATHUS, Baird.
D. NIGER, G-reen.
a. North Carolina. Rev, F. Fitzgerald.
SPELERPES, Rafinesque.
S, SALMONEA, Storei' (?)
a. North Carolina. Rev. F. Fitzgerald.
FAMILY PROTEID^.
PROTEUS, SCIIREIBER.
p. ANGUiNus, Laur.
a. adult. Carniola. Sir Humphry Davy.
Presented through Sir Edward Ryan, President, Asiatic Society of
Bengal.
ORDEE BATRACHIA APODA.
FAMILY CCECILIID^.
C(ECILIA, Waglee.
C. OXYURA, Dum. et Bib. Malabar.
EPICRIUM, Wagler.
E. GLUTINOSUM, L.
a, two adults. Ceylon. Dr. Kelaart.
Fine specimens with the pale lateral band well marked.
I have noted this species in the Nilghiris and in Pegu, but it is
very scarce.
E. MONOCHROUM, Blccker.
a. Pegu. Major Bcrdmore.
A rare species without the lateral stripe.
88 Catalogue of Reptiles,
Catalogue of mounted skeleton of Reptiles in the Asiatic Societg^s
Museum.
CATxiPHRACTA.
Testudo. Two skeletons, in poor state, probably T. radlata.
Mausuria, Emys.
The debris of the specimen formerly exhibited as a stnffed animal,
but now only in fragments. Head, legs, &c. &c. missing.
Batagur Thurgi, 24 inches.
Pangohura tectura, adult and young.
TrIONYX GANGETICUS.
Crana, chelonia, caretta. Many heads imperfect.
Many heads of Crana and Chelonia.
EMYDOSAURIA.
Crocodilus palustris. Fine skeleton of catalogue (ante).
Young 8.60x20.90, 28.20=5770 Dr. Pearson (?)
C. POROsus, Skeleton of young, from Barrackpore.
7.10 15.60 26.50=49.20. Presented by T. H. Pritchard, Esq.
SQUAMATA (Sauria).
Hydrosaurus salvator 54.5 inches 86 caudal vertebra.
Do. do. 39.5 do. 86 do.
Tiliqua rufescens.
SiTANA PoNTICERIANA.
Gecko yerus.
Lyriocephalus scutatus.
Secolopis Beevesi.
IIromastix Hardwickii.
Chamoeleo vulgaris.
Naja.
Naja, head and neck.
Pytuon.
Bana tigrina.
Bufo MELANOSTICTUS.
OPHIDIA.
Batrachia.
APPENDIX.
A few words will not liere be out of place on the important ques-
tion of collecting and preserving Reptiles. Two things should be
borne in mind. Firstly, to collect every species procurable in the
neighbourhood, how common soever some may seem ; and, secondlif,
to collect systematically and not in a desultory fashion as is too fre-
quently the case.
Many persons may think that common species are of little value,
but this is a great mistake, as loell preserved specimens of our com-
monest reptiles would be acceptable even in our Calcutta Museum,
and equally so in the numerous Museums in Europe and America,
whose name is legion. It is hardly possible, therefore, to collect too
many specimens of anything, if only they are well preserved. In-
attention to a few points, I shall now advert to, is the cause of so
many of our Museum specimens, being in poor condition, dissolved^
fulpy, value-less, and a fault of an opposite character is observable in
others, which are shrunken and look much like dried sprats. This arises
from the specimens having been dried from the evaporation of the
spirits, owing to faulty stoppers.
Not 10 per cent, of the bottles in the Museum are air-tight, and
a constant evaporation of spirit consequently goes on. The spirits
are replenished from time to time to the great injury of the speci-
men. If this process of refilliug is delayed, and the specimen dries
completely and enters into the dried-sprat phase of its existence, no
subsequent cunning will avail to restore the shrunken outlines, and
the specimen is permanently spoiled. The simple expedient of ceiling
the stoppers with wax never seems to have suggested itself to
the minds of either Council, Curators, or Taxidermists, hence all this
ruin ; hence these tears.
Any one commencing to collect systematically should provide
himself with a number of glass or stone-ware bottles of two
sizes. The large size should be of not less than four inches in
diameter; currant bottles, for instance, well stoppered. In such
jars snakes up to five feet in length may be stowed. Larger snakes,
young crocodiles, turtles, &c., may be accommodated in large stone
jars, specially provided for them. The second size bottles may be
about the size of common lozenge bottles, but the great thing is
always to proportion the bottle to the specimen and vice versa. Some
persons seem to think that the specimens are never to come out again.
Another thing to bear in mind is, that when once the muscles are set,
no re-arrangement of the coil is possible. The specimen must be ur-
ranged in a bottle such as it is destined permanently to occupy, and
with some attention to its comfort as it were, or, as Isaac Walton
expresses it of the worm, " as though you loved it.^' The spirits
used should be from 20 to 40 over proof (weaker spirits are not to be
depended on in this climate,) and for scientific purposes, such
spirits can always be procured from the distiller free of duty (say
about Ks. 2-4 a gallon).
First catch your snake. This is easily done by pinning him down
with a walking stick, and then seizing the nape of the neck. The
snake being then secured, either divide the vertebra of the neck with
a pair of nail scissors, or make a slit in the cardiac region, and pluck
out the heart with the finger and thumb. I prefer the latter plan.
In about 20 minutes the snake will be nearly or quite dead, and
should then be slit up, and the viscera extracted. If all muscular
contractility has subsided, coil it, head down and belly up, in a proper
bottle, and fill up with spirits, hoisting the bottle, so as to eliminate
all air bubbles. If the stimulus of the spirits causes the snake, to coil
irregularly, take it out again and recoil it, as it is of importance that
it should set in a proper shape. After 24 hours either pour
off the spirits and add fresh, or else transfer to a fresh bottle.
It is imperative with large or moderate specimens, if they are to keep
well, that both the abdomen be opened and the spirits changed once.
The first used spirits will do several times, as they merely seem to
absorb and remove the aqueous and other impurities of the freshly
killed specimen. Small snakes, frogs, and lizards may be simply
opened without removing the viscera. The bottles should be packed
in a box with compartments filled with paddy husk, and the corks or
glass stoppers well ceiled down with several coatings of wax
and oil in the proportion of three to one.
Before bottling up, a note should be made of the length, size,
and coloration of the specimen, with such other detail as the specimen
may suggest. The viscera should be examined for Entozoa.
Young turtles should be preserved in spirit, previously making a
slit in front and behind to ensure the free penetration of the spirits.
As a matter of humanity, they should be killed before placing in
sjoirits by dividing the nape with nail scissors. They will, of
course, retract their heads at the sight of the scissors ; but if the
scissors partly open are firmly forced down along the top of the head,
they will enclose the neck near its junction with the upper
shell, and severance is then easily effected. Large turtle may be
treated in the same manner, only the strongest tin plate cutters are
requisite. It requires care too, approaching in front a large TrionyXj
as it has a most powerful and remorseless bite. The plan that I
adopted with a large Trionyx which I once got at Bhagulpoor, was to
make a slit behind the thigh and, thrusting in one arm, seize and tear
out the heart. It is a ticklish job, however, to hold the animal securely,
as he evinces great dis])leasure and wrath at having his privacy thus
trespassed on ! Anything, however, is better than the plan which I
once heard of being resorted to, of boiling the animals alive. The best
Appendix. iii
plan, however, is patiently to watch with a noose and catch the
animal's head when protruded. If cleverly done, the head can be now
pulled out, and the creature decapitated with a chopper.
The shell should be well cleaned of flesh, anointed with arsenical
soap and dried in a shady place. The head, feet, and viscera of a
fair specimen should be preserved in spirit. The coloration should be
noted during life, and an endeavour made to ascei'tain the limits of
growth to which each species attains.
Young crocodiles should be preserved in spirit after opening the ab-
domen. The heads of larger ones may be simply dried, and the skeletons
of large ones also. All that is requisite is to roughly clean the larger
bones of flesh, and then hang them up in the sun to dry, first of all
brushing them over with arsenical soap, to preserve the ligamental
attachments. The head and legs may be separated, and the spinal
column divided in several places for convenience of packing. Note
the dimension and sex of specimen, and also the arrangement of the
scutes on the neck, which is a specific character. The skin may easily
be preserved flat, if brushed over with arsenical soap inside. For
stuffing, specimens 8 or 10 feet in length will be found most convenient.
Search the viscera for Entozoa. If, as is often the case, these parasites
are attached, they should not be pulled off, but the piece of skin cut
out, to which the animal is affixed.
The best work for the student is unquestionally Giinther's Catalogue
of the Keptiles of British India, —after this, the British Museum
Catalogues — especially that of " Lizards" and Griinther's " Colubrine
Snakes." The Journal of the Asiatic Society may be ransacked
with advantage, and much interesting information gained from the
papers of Cantor, Blyth, and Jerdon. Enough has, I trust, now been
said to induce some naturalists to enter the tempting field of Herpe-
tology, and to convince the most sceptical or listless of the great aid
to science that almost any one in this country might afford, by a little
well directed energy, perseverance and zeal.
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